(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association (VFCEA) has issued a statement opposing China for illegally placing oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and violating Vietnam’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chinese ships closely follow Vietnam's law enforcement forces

The Federation requested China immediately withdraw the rig and its escort vessels from Vietnam’s EEZ and not repeat such activities.

The Federation called on civil construction associations in all countries and peace loving people worldwide to criticize China’s violations and back Vietnam in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, maintaining peace, stability, and free navigation in the East Sea and Asia-Pacific.