(VOVworld) – Some 120 religious dignitaries, academics, and members of the public attended a conference on the East Sea situation in An Giang province on Tuesday. They protested China’s illegal placement of oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, and expressed their faith in the leadership of the Party and state and called on Vietnamese people to denounce China’s illegal actions while remaining vigilant to avoid incitement by subversive elements.

Chinese vessels were prepared to approach, ram, and use water cannons against Vietnamese law enforcement vessels

The Fisheries Association in Ninh Thuan province held a meeting to oppose China’s illegal actions with hundreds of its members and local citizens participating. The Chinese Hoa community in southern Long An province expressed their resentment of China’s illegal actions in the East Sea and expressed their hope for a more peaceful world. According to the Command of Vietnam’s Marine Police, on Tuesday China had more than 90 vessels deployed to protect oil rig Haiyang. These vessels were prepared to approach, ram, and use water cannons against Vietnamese law enforcement vessels. In particular, Chinese iron-clad ships threatened to ram Vietnamese fishing boats. These ships and other escort vessels maneuvered to obstruct Vietnamese vessels. The Command of Vietnam’s Marine Police said that although they have been at sea for a long time, they remain determined to implement Vietnam’s policy of resolutely demanding that China withdraw its oil rig and escort ships from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.