VUFO releases Open Letter on China’s illegal installation of Drilling rig in Vietnamese waters

(Vietpeace) On May 27th, 2014, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) released an Open Letter on China’s illegal placement of deep-water drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou 981 at a location 80 nautical miles deep in Vietnam’s continental shelf and around 120 nautical miles from the Vietnamese coast, and mobilization of a large number of vessels for operation in the area, including military ships and aircraft, which intimidated and attacked Vietnamese Maritime Police and Fisheries Control ships as well as fishermen’s boats fishing in Vietnamese waters, increasing tensions in the East Sea.

The Open Letter clearly stated: “China’s unilateral moves seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereign right and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) between China and ASEAN member states, and gravely infringe upon the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They negatively impact peace and stability in the region and the world as a whole, while undermining the relations of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and China, which have been built and nurtured strenuously by generations of leaders and the people of the two countries.”

VUFO extends its gratitude to friendly individuals and organizations in the world who have expressed their concern, and raised their voices in protest against China’s moves and in support of Vietnam’s just and judicious position.

VUFO calls on “international friends, individuals and organizations alike, political circles, and people cherishing peace and justice in the world to continue raising their voices to demand that China promptly withdraw the rig, escort vessels and aircarft from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, respect international law and Vietnam’s lawful sovereignty, and put an end to unilateral actions threatening peace, stability and security in the region”./.

OPEN LETTER ON CHINA’S ILLEGAL INSTALLATION OF DRILLING RIG IN VIETNAMESE WATERS