VJA statement opposes China’s wrongdoings
(VOV) - The Vietnam Journalists’ Association (VJA) on June 29 released a statement protesting China’s illegal placement of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou- 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
The association demanded China respect international law, withdraw its oil rig from Vietnam’s waters, halt violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and islands, and stop the use of force that seriously threatens the lives of Vietnamese fishermen, fishery resource surveillance and law enforcement forces.
China’s actions have complicated the situation, fueling tensions in the region and threatening maritime security and safety in the East Sea, it said.
The association called on the international press community, including the Chinese press to better understand the situation and denounced the dangerous actions of provocations which infringe international law, firstly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over its EEZ and continental shelf.
It also reiterated Vietnam’s stance on resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, equality and mutual respect in the common interests of the two countries’ people as well as for peace in the region and the world at large.
“The association believes that all countries, large or small, are equally responsible for common peace and security and they need mutual respect and trust,” the statement said.