VietNamNet Bridge – Large numbers of Overseas Vietnamese (OVs), including students, marched in The Hague, the Netherlands, on July 12 condemning China’s provocative acts in the East Sea.

This is the second time the OVs community has peacefully assembled to demand that China withdraw its illegally deployed Haiyang Shiyou-981 rig from Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

While marching through city streets, they hoisted national red flags high in the air along with posters and placards translated in three languages – Vietnamese, English and Dutch–condemning China’s actions, requesting it recognize and comply with international law.

They distributed over 500 posters, protesting China’s violations and affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes. They signed an open letter opposing China which will be delivered to its Government via the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands.

The peaceful march received a warm response from residents of The Hague and international friends, sending an unequivocal message in protest against China’s actions.

Peaceful protest in Hiroshima

Roughly 200 OVs in Hiroshima and neighbouring prefectures including international Japanese, Filipino and Thai friends staged a peaceful protest against China on July 13.

They placidly marched through major streets in Hiroshima, carrying national flags, photos of late President Ho Chi Minh and late General Vo Nguyen Gap, and posters, demanding China respect international law, withdraw its oil rig out of Vietnam’s waters and end its transgressions.

They stated that China’s deployment of the rig and sending a large fleet of escort vessels, including military ships and planes to Vietnam’s EEZ and continental shelf is illegal and violates international law, as well as Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands and Vietnam’s jurisdiction at its EEZ and continental shelf.

OVs participating in the march, said they find China’s actions detestable and called on international friends, including Japanese people, to support Vietnam in its struggle for justice.

The march attracted great attention of local people, international friends and the press, such as NHK television, and Mainnichi and Nikkei newspapers.

Marchers raised funds supporting the owner of a fishing boat in Danang, which was attacked and sunk by Chinese vessels on May 26.

Some images of the march:

Source: VOV