HANOI: Vietnam admitted for the first time its construction activities on the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. It claimed its actions have not affected the status quo, nor escalated tensions in the region.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh described the construction as “normal and lawful” during a media conference on Thursday (May 14) in the capital Hanoi.
The infrastructure improvement projects are meant to meet the basic needs of residents on the Spratly Islands managed by Vietnam, said Mr Binh. He also urged all parties involved against further actions that could threaten regional stability.
Vietnam’s reclamation work in the area appeared to include military installations, according to a report by Reuters, citing the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Last week, the US research institute released new satellite images showing Vietnam had carried out significant land reclamation at two sites, namely Sand Cay and West London Reef in the Spratly archipelago. The work could have started even before China’s larger-scale reclamation projects in the disputed waters.
Hanoi has in recent months repeatedly condemned Beijing’s actions as illegal and a violation of its sovereignty.
“Vietnam has undeniable sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands,” said Mr Binh.
- CNA/pp
