Vietnam has rejected a fishing ban China has imposed in parts of the disputed South China Sea.

China’s Ministry of Agriculture on Monday issued a seasonal ban on fishing in a number of sea waters from May 1 to August 16.

In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said the move violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and further complicates the situation in region.

He said China’s unilateral action goes against international law, adding that Vietnam has full legal grounds and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty claims.

China claims most of the South China Sea, while Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei claim a portion of the waters.

– TiVi Tuan-san