When asked about China’s requesting Russia to stop oil and gas projects in the East Sea, the spokesperson confirmed Vietnam’s commitment to protecting its foreign partners.

“Vietnam is committed to protecting the legal rights and benefits of its foreign partners,” he said.

Current co-operation projects between Vietnam and its foreign partners in oil and gas, including projects with Gazprom, are all located in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the country’s absolute sovereignty in accordance with international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea in 1982, he said.

Answering a question on a Government draft requesting foreign internet providers to open an office in Vietnam and users of web services and social networks to register with their real names, Nghi said the document has not been completed yet.

However, the spokesperson confirmed internet freedom in Vietnam, but “in accordance with the law”.

“Like other countries, Vietnam needs laws to adjust social activities, including the use of the internet, in order to ensure social order and stability while minimising negative impacts on the community,” he said.