Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Dao Thanh Chung briefed overseas Vietnamese on the latest developments in the East Sea, in particular China’s illegal placement of its Haiyang Shiyou-981oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

China’s actions violate Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and seriously threaten peace, security, stability and maritime safety in the East Sea, he said.

Chung highlighted that China’s escalating provocation runs counter to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and agreements between China and ASEAN in dealing with East Sea related issues.

The Vietnamese diplomat reaffirmed the Party and State’s consistent policy of settling the dispute through peaceful means and asking China to withdraw its oil rig and ships from Vietnam’s waters.

He noted that the Vietnamese Party and State is considering all possible measures to protect national sea and island sovereignty and ensure peace, stability and development.

He called on overseas Vietnamese to join hands to support the country’s just struggle and defend national sovereignty.

Representatives from the overseas Vietnamese community in Egypt expressed strong support for Vietnamese law enforcement in the East Sea and pledged assistance if required.

Also on May 24, large numbers of Vietnamese expatriates, including students, international friends held a march in Zurich city, Switzerland, to oppose China’s illegal action in the East Sea..

They gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, criticizing China’s oil rig placement in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Chairman of the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association Anjuska Weil said that the Chinese Government’s declaration on its sea and island sovereignty goes against the 1982 UNCLOS.

The Vietnamese people and peace-lovers around the world want to maintain peace and stability. The international community should speak out and  ask China to stop its illegal action against neighbouring countries, she stated.

This was the second time Vietnamese nations in Switzerland have taken to the street in protest against China’s violations in Vietnam’s waters.

Earlier on May 21, they gathered at a square in front of the Geneva-based UN headquarters to show their support for Vietnam and strong opposition against China’s unlawful act in the East Sea.