(VOVworld) – More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers on Tuesday attended a ceremony in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh province to pray for peace in the East Sea.

In the history of national construction and defense, the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha have always been with the nation in seeking peace and contentment for all people. Following this tradition, the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha and its followers pledge to be united, uphold the spirit of mercy, and jointly protest against China’s illegal placement of its oil rig in Vietnam’s economic exclusive zone and continental shelf. Tran Ngoc Hang, a Buddhist from Hanoi, said: “all Buddhist activities are pursuant to the spirit of Buddha to look for peace and mercy. We, the Buddhist followers, condemn China’s illegal acts because China has broken our peaceful life and none of us want to live under threats.”

Quang Ninh Buddhist Shangha Executive Board started construction of Xa Tac pagoda, part of Xa Tac Temple complex next to border marker 1368 by Ka Long River bordering China.