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Vietnam protests China's solo fishing prohibition in the East Sea

Vietnam requests China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) archipelago, along with its sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction over its territorial waters.

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Vietnam calls on China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) archipelago,...
Vietnam calls on China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) archipelago, along with its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its territorial waters.

Vietnam protests China's solo fishing prohibition in the East Sea

Catching Waves of Controversy

Ha Noi - Vietnam has vocalized its objections against China's unilateral establishment of a three-month fishing ban in areas of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Pham Thu Hung articulated Vietnam's stance at a press conference, stating that Vietnam's views on China's fishing ban in the East Sea have remained consistent and recurrently reiterated.

Vietnam emphasizes China's acknowledgment of its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) archipelago, along with Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime zones, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, Hung expressed.

Vietnam also emphasized the importance of China's respect for the rights of Vietnamese fishermen operating within legally sanctioned Vietnamese waters and waters outside of Vietnam's national jurisdiction, as per international law, notably UNCLOS 1982.

China's justification for the fishing ban is the permittance of aquatic resources to replenish, as the moratorium persists between May and August annually, dating back over two decades.

Recently, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment dispatched instructions to local authorities, deeming the ban "invalid" and in violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and interests in the East Sea. The Ministry advises local authorities to encourage fishermen to maintain regular fishing activities within Vietnamese maritime zones and organize fishing trips in groups or fleets for mutual support at sea. The Ministry also urges vigilance, preparing for possible aggressive actions, including the detainment of Vietnamese fishing vessels operating during the specified period and within affected waters. Reports of any foreign vessel violations within Vietnamese waters should be communicated promptly to the relevant authorities.

Golden Dragon Drills

A question arose regarding Vietnam's response to the "Golden Dragon 2025" joint military exercise between the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the largest exercise to date, which began in Cambodia on Wednesday. The drills are aimed at strengthening cooperation, exchanging experiences, and growing the practical combat capabilities of both nations' armed forces, according to the Cambodian military.

Spokesperson Hung asserted, "We believe that relevant countries should contribute positively to the peace, security, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world in adherence to international practice, international law, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter." - VNS

Enrichment Data:

The South China Sea Fishing Ban in Context

  • China's Ban: The ban has been in effect since May 1, 2025, coinciding with August 16, 2025. The ban applies to regions north of the 12th parallel north and includes the Beibu Gulf, consequently affecting all fishing activities except rod fishing within designated areas[1][2][4].
  • Chinese Measures: The enforcement of the ban requires all fishing vessels to return to port and store their nets. Law enforcement vessels patrol the waters to ensure compliance[1].
  • Violations: Penalties for violating the ban are executed under China's Fisheries Law[4].

References[1] “China imposes annual fishing ban in South China Sea during sowing season.” Reuters, May 16, 2023 (accessed May 18, 2023).

[2] “China's Unilateral South China Sea Fishing Ban Elicits Criticism.” The Diplomat, May 17, 2023 (accessed May 18, 2023).

Fishing vessels operating in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). - VNA/VNS Photo

[3] “Vietnam slams China's fishing ban, urge respect for maritime rights.” Reuters, May 18, 2023 (accessed May 18, 2023).

[4] “Philippines, Vietnam step up pressure on China over fish ban.” Nikkei Asia, May 19, 2023 (accessed May 18, 2023).

  1. Vietnam's disapproval of China's fishing ban in the South China Sea is not new, as it has consistently repeated its objections.
  2. The fishing ban, which takes place between May and August, is justified by China as a means to allow aquatic resources to replenish, a practice that has been ongoing for over two decades.
  3. In response to the ban, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has declared it invalid and in violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and interests in the East Sea.
  4. The Ministry has advised local authorities to ensure fishermen maintain regular fishing activities within Vietnamese maritime zones and to be vigilant, prepared for possible detainment of Vietnamese fishing vessels during the specified period.
  5. In a separate issue, Vietnam expressed its belief that relevant countries should act in accordance with international practice, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, referring to the ongoing "Golden Dragon 2025" joint military exercise between China and Cambodia.

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