Vietnam resolutely opposes Chinese force's brutal behaviors towards Vietnamese fishermen: spokeswoman

Vietnam strongly condemns the actions of the Chinese law enforcement force against Vietnamese fishermen and their vessel in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, according to Pham Thu Hang, the spokesperson for Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hang made this statement on Wednesday in response to an incident on September 29, when Chinese forces reportedly attacked, injured, and confiscated property from Vietnamese fishermen aboard the QNg 95739 TS, a boat from Quang Ngai Province, while it was operating in Vietnam's territorial waters around the Paracel Islands.

Hang emphasized that China's actions are a serious violation of Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, contravening international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and undermining the mutual understanding between the two countries' leaders on managing maritime disputes.

Vietnam has expressed extreme concern and strong opposition to these brutal acts, which endangered the lives and property of Vietnamese fishermen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally communicated with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, demanding that China respect Vietnam's sovereignty, investigate the incident, provide results, and prevent any recurrence of such actions.

The Paracel Islands have been under Chinese control since 1974, following their occupation by force. In 2012, China established "Sansha City" on Woody Island, consolidating its control over the Paracel and Spratly Islands. Vietnam continues to assert its sovereignty over both island groups, citing historical evidence and international law.