(VOVworld) – Fishermen in Khanh Hoa province said they will continue to fish in Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagoes despite China’s illegal, unilateral fishing ban in the East Sea from May 16 to August 1. Mai Thanh Phuc, head of the Truong Sa tuna fishing fleet, said: “We have continued to fish offshore. China’s ban is invalid and unreasonable to us. This is Vietnam’s waters so we have the right to fish here.”

Truong Sa has been the main ground for fishermen in Vietnam’s central and southeastern provinces. There are centers providing logistic services such as fresh water, food, fuel, and ship repairs on many islands in the Truong Sa archipelago. Nguyen Viet Thua, Chairman of the Truong Sa district People’s Committee, said: “There are clinics on all the islands to help fishermen in need. Our soldiers and people are protecting Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty together.”

Party Secretary and Chairman of Khanh Hoa province’s People’s Committee Le Thanh Quang said China’s fishing ban in the East Sea was illegal: “Vietnamese fishing boats will be protected by coast-guard vessels. This is our sea and their ban is illegal. We must condemn such violations along with the international community. We should have more forces to protect fishermen in Vietnamese waters.”