Former Vice President of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Binh has stressed that China’s recent installation of its giant drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou - 981 in Vietnam’s waters is a wrongful act that should be condemned publicly.

In an exclusive interview granted to VOV online, Madam Binh, who is currently President of the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation, said it is very serious that China has installed its oil rig deep within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

“This is an intentional move by China and Vietnam cannot stand with folded arms and do nothing, because national sovereignty is sacred to Vietnam.

“We have protested and will continue to do so until China removes its oil rig from Vietnam’s waters.”

Learning about China’s provocative acts in the East Sea, Madam Binh said she felt a sudden anger at China’s deployment of vessels and aircraft to intimidate Vietnamese boats.

She said Vietnam exercised admirable self-restraint in dealing with the case, but China paid no heed to Vietnam’s goodwill, continuing its provocative acts.

“We have to keep a close watch and strongly condemn these actions,” said Binh.

She added that Vietnam was ravaged by wars and Vietnamese people are aware of the true value of peace. “We want to live in peace and stability to develop the nation. It is obvious that China has not responded to our goodwill.”

According to the former Vice President, Vietnam has sufficient evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago in the East Sea.

Defying the naked truth, China introduced a nine-dash line aiming to take over almost all the oil rich East Sea. However, the nine-dash line has been rejected by the world for its illegality.

Many governments and foreign organisations have expressed concern over China’s actions and demanded justice for Vietnam.

Madam Binh recalled massive international support for Vietnam’s just cause during the two wars of resistance in the 20th century, and suggested Vietnam should garner additional international support in this case.

“Like Vietnamese people, Chinese people cherish peace, and if they understand the truth they will never agree with their government’s action.

“I believe Chinese people will be aware of their legitimate interests in the long run, and together with international friends we will help them understand the truth,” she concluded.

On May 11, the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation released a statement, strongly criticising China’s deployment of the drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou - 981 in Vietnam’s waters.

It called upon people cherishing peace and justice in the world to raise their voice and ask China to respect international law and Vietnam’s lawful sovereignty, and put an end to unilateral actions threatening peace, stability and security in the region.-VNA