VN ships uncowed by China's actions

The Viet Nam Fisheries Surveillance Department reported yesterday that China used up to 110 ships of various types, including military vessels, to surround Haiyang Shiyou-981, the oil rig standing illegally in Viet Nam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.— Photo xaluan

HA NOI (VNS) — Vietnamese surveillance and fishing vessels continued to resist Chinese intimidation yesterday, stationing themselves at 10-11 nautical miles from the illegally placed oil rig, constantly demanding its removal.
The Viet Nam Fisheries Surveillance Department reported yesterday that China used up to 110 ships of various types, including military vessels, to surround Haiyang Shiyou-981, the oil rig standing illegally in Viet Nam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
The Chinese ships prevented Vietnamese law enforcement vessels from operating in their nation's waters.
China also deployed two aircraft, including a helicopter, that flew above the rig.
Viet Nam's fisheries surveillance were hindered in their task by lines of Chinese ships of various kinds sounding their sirens, but stayed put in the area, demanding that China stops its illegal occupation of Vietnamese waters.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese boats persisted in fishing in their traditional grounds at a distance of 42-45 nautical miles from the rig, although they were circled by about 30 Chinese fishing ships, supported by a coastal guard ship and a fisheries surveillance ship, which tried to disrupt their operations and drive them away.
The Vietnamese fishing boats were supported by the nation's fisheries surveillance vessels to carry out their operations.