Maritime claims of nations must comply with the provisions of UNCLOS 1982.

On the afternoon of July 17, at a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang commented on the event of July 12, 2025, which is the ninth anniversary of the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal established under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in the South China Sea lawsuit between the Philippines and China.

Vietnam emphasizes that UNCLOS 1982 is the only legal basis that comprehensively and thoroughly regulates the scope of maritime rights. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

Accordingly, Ms. Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnam's stance was expressed in the statements of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 12, 2016, July 12, 2021 and July 15, 2023.

Vietnam's consistent and clear policy is that maritime disputes must be resolved by peaceful means, fully respecting diplomatic and legal processes, not using or threatening to use force in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

"Relevant parties need to respect the rights of other countries and fully implement their legal obligations stipulated in UNCLOS 1982, cooperate together, and make active and practical contributions to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and order in the East Sea based on international law," said Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

As a member state of UNCLOS and a coastal state of the East Sea, Vietnam emphasizes that UNCLOS 1982 is the only legal basis that comprehensively and thoroughly regulates the scope of maritime entitlements.

Maritime claims of UNCLOS 1982 member states must be consistent with the provisions of UNCLOS 1982. States must fully respect the sovereignty , sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states established in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/yeu-sach-bien-cua-cac-quoc-gia-phai-phu-hop-voi-quy-dinh-cua-unclos-1982-321321.html