China must compensate Vietnamese fishermen’s losses

Tran Cao Muu, VFS Secretary General said the organization sent a letter to pertinent Chinese agencies strongly condemning China’s illegal and inhuman acts which placed Vietnamese fishermen in the Tonkin Gulf in harm’s way and deprived them of their livelihood .

Muu added that since May 7, Chinese ships have been continuously taking inhuman and crude actions, such as attacking Vietnamese fishing boats, and looting their property and equipment., causing an estimated loss of more than VND4 billion to fishermen.

The VFS has actively supported Vietnamese authorities urging them to file a lawsuit against China and bring the matter before an international tribunal seeking redress for the consequential damages flowing from its illegal actions.

According to Muu, Vietnam has repeatedly opposed, endured and exercised restraint because it wants to maintain the peaceful and long-standing friendship with China.

VFS Secretary General Tran Cao Muu

“However, the more Vietnam respects the law the more perverse and crude China acts have become. It’s beyond our tolerance. The State should undertake better and drastic solutions, including suing China in the International Arbitration Court,” Muu told VOV online.

As one cause of action, he suggested that Vietnam should proceed against China for breaking and looting Vietnamese fishermen’s property.

“This is a practical solution for helping Vietnamese fishermen operate safely and this is also one way to protect Vietnam’s sovereignty over sea and islands. “In addition, coast guard forces should be enhanced to ensure safety for fishermen.”

Muu revealed that a project to support fishermen has received warn response from relevant authorities, and the Government is considering the project to make it realistic.

Given the current situation, he said fishermen should operate in groups and coordinate with each other to ensure timely support in the event an incident occurs.

But the most important thing is that fishermen should operate within the confines of the law, Muu concluded.