Statement of the Vietnam – ASEAN friendship and cooperation association on illegal installation of Chinese drilling rig in Vietnamese waters

On May 2nd, 2014, China installed drilling rig Ocean-981 for operation at the location which is 80 miles deep into the Vietnamese continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, put into operation a large force of escort ships, including military vessels and aircraft. China’s armed vessels attacked Vietnamese ships operating in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Viet Nam, causing heavy material damage and injuring many people on board of the fisheries control force and maritime police of Vietnam.