The appointment of the chairman of Hoang Sa District (Paracel Islands) in Da Nang has been made in accordance with Vietnamese laws and is a “normal” task, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Dung said.

He was replying on April 28 to questions from the international media about the appointment.

“Vietnam’s point of view about its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos have long been confirmed,” Mr Dung added.

“Vietnam has enough historic evidence and legal bases to proclaim its sovereignty over both the archipelagos.”

On April 25 the Da Nang authorities appointed Dang Cong Ngu, head of the city Department of Internal Affairs, as chairman of the Hoang Sa District People’s Committee.