Updated

Vietnam's prime minister vowed to defend the country's sovereignty in the South China Sea as he was re-elected by the rubber-stamp National Assembly.

Nguyen Xuan Phuc won 485 votes from 494 assembly deputies Tuesday. In his acceptance speech broadcast live on state television, Phuc called on parties to respect and comply with international law and not to further complicate the situation.

An international tribunal two weeks ago rejected China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea in a case initiated by the Philippines. Vietnam is among the other claimants in the disputed area.

The 62-year-old Phuc was elected prime minister in April by the old assembly. The assembly elected in the general elections in May is scheduled to approve Phuc's cabinet before wrapping up its first session on Friday.