(VOVworld) - Chinese escort ships protecting drilling rig Haiyang 981 continue to prevent Vietnamese law enforcement forces from approaching the drilling rig.

Vietnam’s coast guard is ready to protect the national territorial waters

This violates international law, Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa, and Vietnam’s jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Vietnam and the world community continue to protest China’s violation of Vietnamese sovereignty. Ho Chi Minh City’s External Relations Department summoned a representative of the Chinese Consulate to express opposition to China’s placement of drilling rig Haiyang 981 and a large number of escort vessels in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Department leaders said China’s action is illegal, running counter to international law and norms and seriously violating Vietnam’s sovereignty. Vietnam has always shown goodwill and persistence in resolving disputes through negotiation, dialogue and other peaceful measures in conformity with the Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-related Issues and international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.