A meeting took place in Da Nang on Monday afternoon to strongly demand that China immediately withdraw its HD-981 drilling rig and vessels from Viet Nam’s territorial waters.  The event was jointly organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations (DAFO), the city’s Historical Science Association (DAHSA), and the Da Nang Fisheries Association (DAFA).  The meeting was attended by over 500 members of local friendship organisations along with representatives from city-based foreign agencies and ex-pats who are now living and working in the city. 

Participants at the meeting

In his opening speech, the Chairman of the city’s Historical Science Association, Mr Bui Van Tieng, affirmed that China’s illegal positioning of the drilling rig is triggering a potentially dangerous escalation of tensions in the East Sea, and seriously violates Viet Nam’s sovereignty.  He added that China’s illegal move is going against ethical and legal values.

Like others nationwide, Da Nang’s residents are expressing their strong discontent with the expansionism of China.  In addition, they remarked that China’s illegitimate action is regarded as an invasion.  China has seriously violated the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea which China signed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2002.  Additionally, China’s worthless act has also adversely affected the bilateral friendship between the two countries, as well as deeply upset the Vietnamese people.

The DAFO, the DAHSA and the DAFA are appealing for more enthusiastic support for their declaration condemning China’s illegal placement of the rig in the Hoang Sa waters.  In particular, supporters are expected to be foreign justice and peace-loving organisations and individuals from around the world.  In addition, the local organisations long for support from those who have become involved in backing Viet Nam during its resistance wars for national independence as well as the current cause of national reconstruction.