In a message to foreign firms and agencies, Thao stated that over the past few days Vietnamese people, including those in Hanoi, have shown great national patriotism and strongly opposed China’s recent illegal placement of its large oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
 

However, he said, a number of activists and extremists in some provinces have caused social disorder and destroyed the property of foreign businesses. The riots have damage Vietnams’ international reputation and resulted in detrimental effects to business operations, investment environment, and external relation policies of the Vietnamese Party and State.

In response, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has requested tough measures to prevent further unrest and offer support to affected enterprises in a bid to maintain political stability and nationwide security.

Thao vowed to strictly follow the Government leader’s instructions and implement Vietnam’s international commitments to ensure absolute safety for foreign diplomats, workers, investors and visitors in Hanoi.