Chinese vessels on June 29 were arranged in two rows to prevent Vietnamese law enforcement ships from approaching the area where the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 is illegal standing. 

According to the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance Department, on the day, the position of the oil rig remained unchanged and China maintained 116-122 ships of various kinds, including coast guard, cargo and military ships, tugboats and fishing vessels, around the rig, which has been illegally placed in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf since May 2. 

Chinese vessels sped up and threatened to ram against Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance vessels when these vessels came about 10-11 nautical miles from the rig. 

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance ships braved the blockade of the Chinese ships to stay at the site and continue with communication activities to demand China to withdraw the rig and escort ships from the waters belonging to Vietnam’s sovereignty. 

At the area where Vietnamese fishing boats were fishing, as many as 34 Chinese steel fishing vessels, backed by two coast guard ships coded 46102 and 46106, tried to stop Vietnamese boats from operating in the traditional grounds near the rig. 

Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance ships have ensured safety for Vietnamese fishing ships to continue their work in the fishing grounds. 

At the beginning of May 2014, China illegally dispatched the rig as well as a large fleet of armed vessels, military ships and aircraft to Vietnam’s waters and positioned the rig at 15 degrees 29 minutes 58 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 12 minutes 06 seconds east longitude, 80 miles deep into Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. 

Despite Vietnam’s protest, China expanded its scale of operation and moved the rig to 15 degrees 33 minutes 36 seconds north latitude and 111 degrees 34 minutes 11 seconds east longitude, 60 nautical miles deep inside Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. 

By encircling, chasing, ramming and firing water cannons at Vietnamese boats, they have injured many sailors and fishermen, threatening their safety. 

VNA/VNN