He said that Vietnam’s socio-economic situation was becoming more difficult following China’s illegal placement of an oilrig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. He asked voters and people nationwide to join together to develop the country. The chief legislator said Vietnam wanted to foster friendship with China but would not back away from any threats to its independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity: “President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong said that the friendship between Vietnam and China was one of comradeship and brotherhood. In this situation, we need to unite in both action and mindset to overcome all difficulties. We should be vigilant and flexible and maintain a stable and peaceful environment for further growth.”

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung asked Huong Khe and Ha Tinh province to invest more in the application of science and technology to agriculture and rural development.