Binh said: “Peace and stability in the East Sea (also known as South China Sea) is the interest and aspiration of all countries within and outside of the region. “All activities of other parties in areas within Hoang Sa, regardless of intentions, are illegal and do not change Vietnam’s sovereignty over this archipelago.” Chang's remark came in the wake of an international tribunal ruling there is no legal basis for China to claim “historic rights” over the waters falling within the “nine-dash line”. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh reacted sharply Thursday to Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan’s incitement of the military, police, and general population to prepare for a “people's war at sea.”Officials need to speak and act in accordance with official statements as well as their countries’ obligations, Binh said. China has rejected the ruling.

Source: Thanhnien News August 05, 2016 05:15 UTC