Hang said the
incident took place as the Vietnamese fishing boat with eight
Vietnamese fishermen on board was carrying out normal fishing activities
in the waters of Viet Nam’s Hoang Sa Islands.
As have been stated on various occasions, Viet Nam has ample
historical evidence and legal basis to affirm its sovereignty over the
Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands in accordance with
the international law, the Spokesperson stated.
The above-mentioned Chinese vessel’s act violates Viet Nam's
sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, causes property losses and
endangers the lives, safety and legitimate interests of the Vietnamese
fishermen.
It also runs counter to the common understandings reached between
high-level leaders of the two countries on the humane treatment of
fishermen and the Viet Nam - China Agreement on the Basic Principles
guiding the Settlement of Sea Issues, contravenes the spirit of the
Declaration of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),
complicates the situation and is not conducive to the development of the
bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the
maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea, she
said.
On April 3, 2020, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs made a presentation to and lodged a diplomatic note of protest
with a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Ha Noi, requesting the
Chinese side to investigate the incident, strictly discipline the
officers aboard the Chinese vessel afore-mentioned, prevent the
recurrence of similar actions, and make adequate compensation for the
losses of the Vietnamese fishermen.
As of April 3, eight Vietnamese fishermen aboard the QNg 90617 TS
have safely returned, according to Vietnamese relevant agencies.