Vietnam condemns China’s fishing ban in the East Sea

During today’s regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that the fishing ban issued by China in the East Sea violates Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Hoang Sa archipelago. This ban not only infringes upon Vietnam’s sovereignty in the Paracel Islands but also violates Vietnam’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone as outlined in the UNCLOS.

Ms. Hang emphasized that Vietnam’s position regarding China’s fishing ban in the East Sea has been consistent over the years. She reiterated Vietnam’s request for China to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago and its rights and jurisdiction over its waters. The goal is to avoid complicating the situation and contribute to peace, stability, and order in the East Sea region.

The spokesperson’s statement came in response to reports that Chinese officials had issued an “annual fishing ban” that included the East Sea, East China Sea, Bohai, and Yellow Sea from May 1 to September 16. This ban covered areas from the 12th parallel to the north of Taiwan island, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, which is illegally occupied by China.

China’s unilateral imposition of an annual fishing ban on fishermen from other countries is a recurring issue. China has announced plans to strengthen supervision and penalize those who violate the ban. This practice has been met with criticism from Vietnam and other countries affected by the ban.