Students voice objections to China’s illegal rig installation

Students both at home and abroad on May 15 continued raising their voice against China’s illegal act of placing the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

A number of Vietnamese students in Thailand’s capital Bangkok peacefully demonstrated in front of the Chinese Embassy in the country and sent it a letter in which they opposed China’s illegal installation of the rig and asked the Chinese authorities to immediately stop all aggressive acts and withdraw the rig from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

The letter, which gathered hundreds of signatures, stated that the rig placement is ruining the two countries’ trust, causing tensions and threatening stability in the East Sea and the region.

On the day, the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Canberra, Australia also issued a statement protesting China’s illegal acts of bringing the drilling rig and over 80 armed ships to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, as well as ramming and firing water cannons into Vietnam’s law enforcement vessels.

The statement claimed that China’s acts seriously infringe the United Nations Charter, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, running counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well as the agreements on sea-related issues signed by the two sides’ high-level leaders.

The association also showed their backing for the Vietnamese Government’s strong determination to solve disputes by peaceful means while taking every proper measure to safeguard the country’s legitimate rights and interests.

It called on all peace-lovers in China and all over the world to voice objections to China’s illegal and dangerous acts and support for efforts towards a peaceful, stable and cooperative East Sea.

Meanwhile, a number of meetings were organised across Vietnam the same day to show the determination of students and the youth in general to safeguard the country’s sacred sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes and oppose Chine’s act of deploying the rig in Vietnam’s waters.

During the meeting, more than 400 million VND (18,800 USD) was raised to support officers defending national sovereignty.

Belgian, Italian journalists worry about East Sea situation

A Belgian journalist has stated that the world community is turning back on China over its illegal dispatch of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou – 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

In an interview with a Vietnam News Agency reporter on May 14, Mass Boup, an expert on politics and development for Africa, Caribbean, the Asia-Pacific and the European Union described this act as part of China’s politically-driven scheme against its neighbours, adding that it is unacceptable.

He called on regional countries to stand united against China’s territory encroachment which, he said, has run counter to international law and posed danger to the world as well.

Boup also hailed ASEAN as an important pillar in settling the current dispute, especially the statement on the East Sea issued at its recent summit in Myanmar.

China needs to sit down with ASEAN member states to reach a peaceful solution, he noted.

The same day, Italy’s leading geopolitical magazine Limes ran an article about the ongoing tension in the East Sea, voicing concern that Beijing is intensifying its territorial claim and adopting a diplomatic policy of intimidation.

China is setting a dangerous precedent, author Giorgio Cuscio commented.

As China is seeking new sources of energy to fuel its economic expansion, he implied that the East Sea has become a target as it is thought to have a reserve of 23-30 billion cb.m of oil.

The strategic sea is also on an important international navigation, he added.

On May 2, China stationed the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

China has deployed some 90 vessels of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fishing ships.

The provocative acts by China, including the ramming and firing of water cannons into Vietnamese coast guard ships during their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, have left many Vietnamese ships damaged and fisheries surveillance officers injured.-

Vietnamese people in Malaysia protest to China’s illegal action

The Vietnamese community in Malaysia on May 15 issued a statement vehemently opposing China’s illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.

In their statement, the community expressed their outrage after China positioned the rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s waters, along with many vessels.

The group voiced their willingness to stand by the Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance authorities and fishermen to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.

They also called for justice, peace and stability in the East Sea and demanded China withdraw its oil rig and comply with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On May 2, China stationed the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

It has deployed a large number of ships of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fisheries vessels.

Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons into Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance ships which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, leaving many Vietnamese ships damaged and officers injured.

Ex-youth volunteers, Truong Son soldiers denounce China’s act

The Ex-Youth Volunteers’ Association and the Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association have vehemently denounced China’s illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the East Sea.

The former group, which contains around 500,000 members who fought against French, US and other forces, is now determined to join the calls for China to remove its illegally-positioned Haiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig and its escort fleet of military vessels and jets from Vietnam’s waters.

It also proposed establishing youth volunteer teams tasked with maintaining offshore fishing and protecting the country’s sea and islands, as well as the assets and lives of fishermen.

The Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association also demanded the Chinese authorities to instantly end the illegal act in Vietnam’s waters.

Being the soldiers who fought along the Truong Son-Ho Chi Minh Trail during the national liberation war, members of the association understand the values of national independence, territorial integrity and the desire to coexist peacefully with nations around the world, the association said, expressing belief that the country’s sovereignty must be protected at any cost.

The Truong Son or Ho Chi Minh Trail, which runs in part along the Truong Son Range, was the key supply route from the north to the south of Vietnam during the war. It was the site of numerous fierce battles.

On May 2, China stationed the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

China has deployed around 90 vessels of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fishing ships.

Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons into Vietnamese coast guard boats which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, causing damage and injuring fisheries surveillance officers.

Writers’ association voices to protest China’s illegal rig deployment

President of the Vietnamese Writers’ Association (VWA) Huu Thinh on May 15 sent a letter to his Chinese counterpart Tie Ning to determinedly oppose China’s illegal positioning of a drilling rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

In the letter, Thinh wrote that the VWA demands the Chinese side immediately stop its illegal act and remove the Haiyang Shiyou-981 rig and armed ships out of Vietnam’s waters.

The rig placement seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, sovereign right and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf as well as international law, running counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) signed by China and the ASEAN member countries, the letter said, adding that China’s recent act negatively affects the two countries’ relationship and hurts the Vietnamese people.

Through the letter, the VWA asked the Chinese side to strictly abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the DOC, and agreements reached by the two countries’ high-level leaders, for the basic and long-term interests and friendship between the two peoples as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

It also called on writers from Vietnam, China and all over the world to have sufficient consciousness of the seriousness of the situation and raise their voices to protect justice and international law.

The association also confirmed that it totally supports measures conducted by the Government and authorised agencies to safeguard the country’s legitimate sovereignty by peaceful means and in line with international law.

Vietnamese in Bulgaria condemn China’s actions

About 250 overseas Vietnamese in Bulgaria gathered at a meeting on May 13 to protest China ’s illegal placement of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig in Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

In a statement released recently, the Association of Vietnamese People in Bulgaria also condemned China ’s serious violation of international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

China ’s move directly threatens peace, stability, maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea , said the statement.

The Vietnamese community in Bulgaria strongly opposes China ’s provocative act and demands China remove the drilling rig as well as all of its ships out of Vietnam ’s waters, the statement declared.

The overseas Vietnamese also called on China to sit down for negotiations on ways to settle differences on the issues, while voicing support to the Vietnamese Government in taking all necessary measures to protect the national legitimate rights and interests.

They also lauded Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s speech at the 24 th ASEAN Summit, as well as the Statement of the Summit Chair, which urged all parties to fully and effectively implement the DOC and practice restraint without using or threatening to use force.

They also underscored the need to form a Code of Conduct in the East Sea at an early date, while highlighting the significance of ASEAN foreign ministers’ statement on the current situation in the East Sea .

The association also called on individuals, international organisations and peace-loving people around the world to continue raising their voices against China ’s illegal act.

Representatives of many other Vietnamese associations in Bulgaria also made clear their strong protest against China ’s move.

The same day, Chairman of the Bulgaria-Vietnam Friendship Association Simon Dimchev also met and handed over to Vietnamese Ambassador Le Duc Luu a written statement protesting China ’s violation of Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

As a traditional friend of Vietnam , Bulgaria will raise its voice in the international arena to protect justice, international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, while calling on China to work with Vietnam to settle all disputes through peaceful dialogues, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

On May 2, China stationed the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude, 80 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone.

It also deployed a large number of aircraft and ships of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fisheries vessels.

Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons against Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance boats which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, leaving many Vietnamese ships damaged and nine fisheries surveillance officers injured.-

Vietnamese people in UK protest China’s actions

The executive board of the Vietnamese Association in the UK at a meeting on May 14 expressed their support to the Vietnamese Government in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and rebuked China for violating Vietnam’s waters.

Chairman of the association Son Thanh cited Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s speech at the recent ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, in which he said that Vietnam always attaches special importance to maintaining and strengthening its friendly relations with China.

However, the country vehemently denounces acts of infringement and will resolutely protect its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in conformity with international law, the speech read.

Thanh said the current East Sea situation is serious. He called on overseas Vietnamese people to join hands with the Government to protect their sovereignty.

Members of the board also demanded China to remove its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 as well as escort vessels from Vietnam’s waters.

The association and other organisations of the Vietnamese community in the UK will hold a peaceful rally in front of the Chinese Embassy on May 18 to protest China’s illegal act.

Besides, the association plans to launch a campaign to call for support to those suffering from China’s provocative actions.

Ben Chapman, Chairman of the Vietnam-UK Network – which groups organisations and individuals wishing to boost bilateral relations, voiced his worry over China’s actions which jeopardise peace and stability, and violate the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea agreed upon between ASEAN and China in 2002.

He called on all sides to negotiate on the basis of the 1982 UNCLOS to soon work out settlement solutions.

On May 2, China stationed the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and 119 nautical miles to Vietnam’s Ly Son Island.

Besides, it has deployed a large number of ships of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, marine patrol and fisheries that are backed by rescue, transport, refuelling and fishing ships.

Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons into Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance ships which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, leaving many Vietnamese ships damaged and officers injured.

Vietnamese community in Thailand protests China’s territorial violation

Responding to China’s illegal placement of Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, the Overseas Vietnamese (OV) community in Thailand issued a statement condemning the infringement.

They called China’s protection of the oil rig by escort vessels, aircrafts and naval ships a provocative act to Vietnam and ASEAN member countries.

The statement reflected on the attack of escort vessels against Vietnam’s law enforcement forces, saying that the acts have disregarded international law, flagrantly violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in which China is a signatory, and run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) signed by China and ASEAN member countries, making the situation more complicated and threatening stability and maritime navigation and trade freedom in the East Sea.

China’s acts contradict joint statements of the two countries’ leaders and seriously hurt the neighbourly friendship between the two nations, the statement said.

The OV community in Thailand strongly opposed and demanded China immediately stop its illegal and provocative acts, withdraw the oil rig, escort vessels and aircrafts from Vietnamese waters and not repeat similar acts in the future.

They asked China to conform strictly to international law, especially the UNCLOS, and implement commitments in the DOC and agreements between the two countries’ high-level leaders.

The OV in Thailand expressed their support for peaceful measures to resolutely protect Vietnam’s sovereignty taken by the Government and relevant agencies of Vietnam.

They also called on Thai social organisations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to add their voices in protecting and supporting justice and international law, preventing blatant acts and protecting peace in the East Sea and ASEAN region.

They expressed their support for the traditional friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and China and their readiness to protect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interests, international law and justice, as well as to preserve peace, stability and security in the region and the world.

Artists protest China’s illegal acts in Vietnam’s waters

The National Committee of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations on May 14 protested China’s illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.

The committee said in an announcement that it strictly opposed to the act taken by China and asked Chinese authorities to withdraw its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou- 981 and accompanying ships and jets from Vietnam’s waters.

It called on writers and other artists along with Chinese people to raise their voice to ask the Chinese Government to respect Vietnam’s sovereignty and territory. It also appealed to Governments, international organisations, artistic circles and the peoples of foreign nations to call on Beijing to abide by international law to build and maintain peace, stability and development in the region.

At the same time, the committee affirmed its wish to promote the traditional friendship between the people as well as the artistic circles of Vietnam and China.

On May 2, China stationed the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude. The location is 80 nautical miles inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

China has so far deployed a large number of vessels of various kinds to the area, including military, coast guard, marine surveillance, maritime patrol and fishing ships.

Chinese ships have repeatedly rammed and fired water cannons into Vietnamese coast guard ships which are carrying out their law enforcement missions in the country’s waters, leaving many Vietnamese ships damaged and nine fisheries surveillance officers injured.    

Students in Khanh Hoa gather to protest China's actions

A demonstration was held at Nha Trang University on May 15 afternoon, with the participation of over 7,000 students and teaching staff, in protest of Chinese incursions on the territorial waters of the East Sea.

Pham Quang Huy, Chief of the university’s Party Agitation Committee, said, “China’s illegal placement of the Haiyang-981 oil rig on the Vietnamese continental shelf is the incursion of our territorial waters. All the students, teaching staff and administrators at our university are united in our opposition to this action."

He noted that they also wanted to express their patriotism and support for the efforts by the Vietnamese government and forces who are taking risks to maintain Vietnamese territorial waters and force China to remove all illegal vessels and infrastructure in the East Sea.

Le Phuong Chung, Secretary of the university’s Youth Union, also expressed opposition to China’s incursions and pledged to devote their intelligence and strength to the protection of the national territorial sovereignty.

Vu Ngoc Boi, Chairman of the university’s Trade Union, called on union members, including 800 teachers, to oppose China by taking practical actions, including increasing efforts in scientific research, enhancing training, fostering the university’s general development and contributing part of their salaries, equaling VND100 million (USD4,735) in total, to fund Vietnamese forces in the East Sea.

All the university’s teaching staff, along with 20,000 students, sent a letter of determination to high-ranking Chinese officials, affirming that Paracels and Spratly belong to Vietnam. They also requested that China agree to dismantle the HD-981 oil rig without preconditions. They called on Chinese people and people from around the world to join the opposition against these activities that violate international law and the general spirit of friendly cooperation.