The government and people of Da Nang are strongly protesting about China’s illegal positioning of an oil drilling rig within Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Chairman Chanh (Source: http://daidoanket.vn)

The Chairman of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands District People's Committee, Mr Vo Cong Chanh, confirmed that the Hoang Sa waters are under the administrative management of Da Nang.  He said that China’s unilateral action of placing the HD-981 oil drilling rig in Viet Nam’s territorial waters is violating international laws and an agreement guiding the basic principles for settlement of sea-related issues.  It has also worsened the bilateral friendship and cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and China.

He strongly demanded that China must respect and unconditionally and seriously implement the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and a relevant agreement between Viet Nam and China.  He also asked China to immediately withdraw its drilling rig and vessels from Viet Nam’s territorial waters, and resolve all conflicts and disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means.

The Da Nang Jurists' Association said that it supports the opinions and policies of the Party and State, which aim to persistently resolve disputes in the East Sea through diplomatic measures and international laws.