As many as 31 Vietnamese, French and French-Vietnamese associations and organisations have signed a petition expressing their concerns over China’s recent actions that increased tensions in the East Sea.

The petition wrote that the situation in the East Sea is destabilized by recent events threatening the freedom of navigation, causing tensions and reducing opportunities to find an international diplomatic solution.

The signatories desired to extend a message of humanity to Vietnamese people, who have tirelessly struggled for national independence, built a peaceful and stable environment and protected territorial sovereignty within the framework of international law.

The petition, then, will be sent to Vietnamese agencies, including the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF),  Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), Foreign Ministry’s Boundary Commission and State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs.

The organisations include the France-Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV), Overseas Vietnamese Association in France, and East Sea Group.

In her speech at a plenary meeting of these associations and organisations, Helene Luc, Honourary Senator and AAFV Honourary President expressed her concern about China’s construction of reef islands, and asking the country to immediately end actions that complicate the situation, and comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).