Vietnam Protests China, Philippines' Sovereignty Violations in Spratly Islands

Vietnam has formally protested actions by China and the Philippines at Hoai An, Tri Le, and Cai Vung reefs in the Spratly Islands (Truong Sa), asserting these activities violate its sovereignty and complicate the situation in the South China Sea. Vietnamese officials emphasized the country’s legal and historical claims to the Spratly Islands, referencing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a foundation for its position. Hanoi contends that the deployment of personnel by other nations on features it claims, without permission, breaches both its sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and undermines ongoing Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations. Vietnam has issued diplomatic notes of protest and called on all parties to respect its sovereignty, refrain from escalating tensions, and comply with international law. The government reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and through dialogue. These actions highlight ongoing tensions and competing territorial claims in the region.