The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations on May 12 strongly protested China’s illegal placement of its rig in Vietnam’s waters.

In its statement, the union also demanded China to immediately withdraw the rig and escort ships from Vietnam’s waters, not to repeat similar acts in the future, and to seriously abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Peace, stability, friendship and cooperation for joint development require civilised and responsible behaviour by all countries on the basis of respect to international law, territorial sovereignty and legitimate interests of other countries, the statement said.

It added that all claims without legal basis, especially unilateral move with the use of force violating other countries’ sovereignty, are unacceptable.

The union called on its Chinese and ASEAN counterparts to raise their voice in the protection of justice and international law, helping maintain peace and stability in the region and the world over.-VNA