Le Quang Thich, vice chairman of Quang Ngai Province said 23 local fishing boats were attacked by Chinese vessels over the past six months and there was a rise in intrusions by China's coastguard and fishing boats.

Mr. Le Quang Thich.

"Eight Chinese coastguard ships and 184 fishing ships invaded Vietnamese waters," Thich said. "Compared with last year, the number of coast guard vessels increased by six and the number of fishing ships increased by 161."

Thich said some Chinese ships came within 16 nautical miles of Ly Son Island.

Authorities are conducting programmes to raise awareness so fishermen can better work safely while protecting the sovereignty of Vietnam waters.

A fisherman said on June 10 that four Chinese ships surrounded boats near Hoang Sa Island. Six people boarded their their boat and stole their catch and equipment.

Quang Ngai authorities are cooperating with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour to build a memorial for fishermen and soldiers who died in clashes over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands.

"We hope to receive more attention from the government," Thich said.

"After Ly Son Island joined the electrical power grid and was provided with better water sources, investors have started to come in and development can both improve the economy and national defense," he said.

Dtinews