On Friday China raised the number of ships to protect the HD-981 rig that is anchored illegally in Vietnam's waters from 99 to 126 units, mainly iron fishing ships, said Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, Deputy Director of the Fishery Control Department.

 A fishing boat from the central province of Quang Ngai was chased and attacked by Chinese ships on May 7 when it was operating in the regular fishing ground in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, and suffered from damage to its sides and cabin.

 Phu Quy Island is located about 120km from Phan Thiet City to the east in Binh Thuan Province. Covering over 17km 2 with great potential, the island is considered the political, economic and cultural centre of the island district of Phu Quy.

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially announced the upgrade of Viet Nam-Indonesia relations to a strategic partnership during their talks in Jakarta yesterday, June 27.

This year’s favorable weather is believed to support fishermen. However, the fishing boats of the big groups in the sea city of Hai Phong still have been staying ashore because the ship owners cannot find seamen.