(VOVworld) – The Fisheries Labor Unions of An Hai and An Vinh communes on Ly Son island, Quang Ngai province on Friday protested China’s illegal deployment of a drilling rig and military vessels in Vietnamese waters.

People on Ly Son island protest against China's illegal acts in Vietnamese waters (Photo: VOV)

They also called on local fishermen to  continue their work, and defend their traditional fishing grounds as well as Vietnam’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nguyen Quoc Chinh, Chairman of the Fisheries Labor Union of An Hai commune said China’s oil rig was placed right in the middle of Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. He added that this was a traditional fishing ground where Ly Son fishermen have lived and made their living for a long time: "These are illegal and void acts which go against the International Law of the Sea. They have carried out activities which threatened the lives and property of our fishermen. Ly Son people will do all that we can to protect our traditional fishing grounds and Vietnam’s maritime and islands sovereignty". 

On the same day, hundreds of fishermen from Ly Son gathered at the Paracel Army Monument to offer incense and pay tribute to their predecessors who contributed to the establishment and protection of Vietnam’s sovereignty.