(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Bar Federation (VBF) has voiced objections to China’s violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea, and promised legal support to Vietnam in the ongoing dispute with its neighbor. In a statement released at the end of a meeting in Hanoi on Sunday, the VBF asked the Chinese government to immediately stop violating Vietnam’s sovereignty rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. It said China must withdraw its oil rig and fleet of military and escort ships from the area without delay, and refrain from similar actions in the future. The lawyers called on their counterparts and legal scholars on the East Sea around the world to protest China’s actions. They also urged Chinese citizens and lawyers, as well as peace-loving people around the world, to side with Vietnam in this dispute, adding that it is essential to preserve international law and justice while maintaining peace, stability and maritime freedom in the East Sea and the Asian-Pacific region.