Chinese vessels fiercely defend illegal rig

June 26, 2014 | 08:51

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Up to 123 Chinese vessels on June 25 aggressively approached Vietnamese law enforcement ships to prevent them from getting close to rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 that is illegally standing in Viet Nam’s waters, reported the Viet Nam Fisheries Surveillance Department.

Illustration photo

The Chinese vessels, including patrol, coast guard, cargo ships and tugboats, simultaneously harassed Vietnamese ships by basting sirens, chasing and driving them away, while staying ready to ram them at any time, said the department.

At 7:00-7:30, a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft was also seen flying at a height of 1,500 m above the rig before leaving, according to the department.

Meanwhile, 40 Chinese fishing vessels, supported by two coast guard ships coded 46102 and 46106, tried to stop Vietnamese fishing boats from fishing in the area near the rig, which is the traditional fishing ground of Vietnamese fishermen.

However, despite the aggressive acts of the Chinese side, Vietnamese coast guard and fisheries surveillance ships tried to avoid collision and stayed at the site to continue performing their mission in the area, demanding China to immediately remove the rig out of Viet Nam’s waters, the department stated.

They also ensured safety for Vietnamese fishing boats during their normal operation in their traditional fishing ground near the rig, it said..

VNA

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