China’s military drill in the area covering islands and reefs in the northeast of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago severely violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over the chain of islands, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said at a regular press conference on July 23^rd.

Vietnam News Agency quoted spokesman Binh’s saying that on July 20^th, China’s Maritime Safety Administration announced the country would conduct a military drill from July 22^nd to 31^st in the area covering islands and reefs in the northeast of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago.

“The action not only flouts Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelago, but also runs counter to common perceptions reached by the two countries’ leaders, hampers the development of bilateral relations, escalates tensions, complicates the situation and threatens maritime security and safety in the region,” spokesman Binh talked on the news agency.

Vietnam opposes and vehemently demands China respect Vietnam’s sovereignty, act responsibly, immediately desist and not repeat actions that could complicate the situation, the spokesman emphasised./.

( Compiled by VNF )