Remark by the MOFA's Spokeperson regarding the relocation of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh

“Since 2nd May 2014, the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig and many escort vessels, including military vessels of China have infringed upon the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Viet Nam. The oil rig was installed and operated at the location only 130 nautical miles off the Vietnamese coast. Chinese vessels encircled, intentionally rammed and fired high-power water cannon at the Vietnamese coast guard and fishery resources surveillance ships performing their duties within Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, injuring many Vietnamese fishery surveillance staff on board, causing damages to Vietnamese law enforcement forces, and sinking Vietnamese fishing boats. In response to such actions, Viet Nam has made resolute efforts to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights by peaceful means.

Once again, Viet Nam reiterates that the area where the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig has been operated since early May is within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Viet Nam. The operation of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig and Chinese escort vessels over the past two months is completely illegal and in violation of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Viet Nam looks forward to settling disputes and differences in the East Sea via friendly negotiation on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. For a peaceful and stable environment in the East Sea, Viet Nam requests that China refrain from the re-deployment of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig or placement of any other oil rig in Block 143 of Viet Nam or in any other area within the Vietnamese waters prescribed under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We demand China to respect the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of Viet Nam over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Viet Nam is resolved to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law.”