Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has reiterated the country’s resolve to secure its national sovereignty and interests at a Q&A session of the lawmaking National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday.

PM Dung was replying to questions by NA deputies about Vietnam’s sovereignty over the East Vietnam Sea as well as about national sovereignty and interests when it comes to the relationship with China.

Under the Politburo’s direction, the central government has presented these issues to the legislature many times, the premier said.

“The stance, point of view, and policy of our Party and State on the issues are clear, consistent and suitable, and they have yielded positive results. But there remain difficulties and challenges ahead,” he added.

“We sincerely try our best to enhance the friendship and equal cooperation for mutual benefits and development with China in all areas,” the government chief underlined. At the same time, Vietnam resolutely protects its independence, territorial sovereignty, and national interests in accordance with the Party’s resolutions, the Constitution, and the law, PM Dung noted, adding that all this will comply with the UN Charter, international law – especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea – and regional commitments, particularly the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea.

Hanoi and Beijing are locking horns over islands in the East Vietnam Sea, almost all of which is claimed by China.

Taiwan, Brunei, the Philippines and Malaysia are the other claimants to the sea, with Manila already taking Beijing to an international tribunal.

Along with social and economic development, Vietnam should strengthen national defense and security, improve the efficiency of external affairs, ensure political stability and social order and safety, and intensify national solidarity and the overall strength of the whole nation, Prime Minister Dung said.

“We should also seek to obtain support from the international community and maintain peace and stability to create favorable conditions for the building, development and protection of our socialist country,” the government head underscored.

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