(VOVworld)- The Vietnam Fine Arts Association on Monday released a statement protesting China’s illegal placement of Haiyang 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The Association expressed its backing for the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State and its determination to join the Party, people and army to defend national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. The Association stressed that it hoped to boost friendship between the Vietnamese and Chinese peoples and artists and protested acts that went against the bilateral ties.