Vietnam opposes China's illegal fishing ban

The so-called fishing ban that China illegally, unilaterally declared, has violated Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, as well as its sovereignty rights and jurisdiction rights over its sea regions and EEZ as determined by UNCLOS, deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said at a press meet.

"Vietnam requests that China respects Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, as well as its sovereignty rights and jurisdiction rights over its sea regions; not complicating the situation; and contributing to peace and stability at the East Sea," Viet said.

Vietnam calls the South China Sea the East Sea.

The statement was made upon comments about Chinese authorities issuing a "yearly fishing ban" that they say will be effective in certain sea regions from May 1 to August 18.

The so-called ban at the South China Sea would also include Vietnam’s Paracel Islands, which are illegally being occupied by China.