Chinese bank branch on Vietnam’s Phu Lam island is illegal

The spokesperson reaffirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes and responded to reporters’ questions on Vietnam’s reaction to the Bank of China’s illegal opening of its branch in the so-called “Sansha city” on Phu Lam island of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago.

“As we have affirmed several times that Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes. Activities conducted by foreign countries in this region without Vietnam’s permission are illegal and cannot change the fact that Vietnam has sufficient sovereignty over the region," he said.

Concerning the Vietnam’s policy on granting e-visa to facilitate foreign visitors to Vietnam, the official said, “The Foreign Ministry is working closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to implement the decree on e-visa. Versions of this decree in different languages will be sent to embassies and foreign missions in Vietnam in the next few days. We grant e-visa to boost tourism as well as international exchanges".

VOV