Reports say Vietnam's Petrovietnam has invited tenders for oil and gas exploration in some disputed areas in the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue says Vietnam's move infringes upon China's sovereignty and oceanic rights and interests. China hopes Vietnam will correct the mistake as soon as possible and not take any unilateral actions that would complicate or enlarge disputes.

The spokeswoman adds that China also hopes international oil companies will respect China's firm stance on this issue, and not do anything to harm China's sovereignty over its marine territory.

(CRI October 21, 2004)