Vietnam protests China’s weather stations in disputed Spratlys | Global News

Vietnam protests China’s weather stations in disputed Spratlys

/ 07:25 AM November 10, 2018

Lê Thị Thu Hằng. — VNA/VNS

HANOI—Vietnam strongly protested China’s launch of weather stations in the disputed Spratly group of islands, saying on Thursday they seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty and complicate the situation in the South China Sea.

China last week announced it started operations of the stations on three islands to offer weather forecasts to fishermen in the South China Sea region and neighboring countries, and passing ships.

Article continues after this advertisement

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told reporters at a regular briefing on Thursday that Vietnam had legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Spratlys and Paracels, and asked China to stop the action.

FEATURED STORIES

“The fact that China started use of meteorological observation stations on the illegally built structures in the Spratlys has seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over the islands,” she said.

“Vietnam persistently opposes this act and asks China to immediately stop the above-said actions,” Hang said.

Article continues after this advertisement

She said China should abide by the principles reached between the two countries guiding the settlement of the maritime issues and the Declaration of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea “without complicating the situation, affecting peace, security and stability” in the South China Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

Vietnam and China, along with five other nations, claim all or parts of the Spratlys. Tensions have flared after China turned seven disputed reefs into islands, which it later equipped with missile defense systems.

Vietnam has become the most vocal against China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has triggered concerns and protests in the region as well as the United States. —AP

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: China, Global News, local news, Philippine news update

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.