Strong wave of protest against China’s provocative act in the East Sea
(VOVworld) – Government and scholars around the world have voiced their protest at China’s placement of drilling rig Haiyang-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. This has been the strongest wave of protest targeting China since it breached Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty, threatening regional peace and security. The Japanese government on Monday hailed the ASEAN leaders’ statement advocating restraint and the reduction of tensions in the East Sea. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that Japan hoped all parties would not act unilaterally and escalate tensions and show restraint. Japan expressed its deep concern over growing tensions in the region as a result of China’s actions.
Scholars from many countries agreed that China’s actions violated Vietnamese waters. Many delegates to a workshop on Italy’s role in the Asia-Pacific in Rome condemned China’s actions. They said that China is deliberately causing tension and threatening peace, security, stability, and navigation safety in the region.