(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Youth Union protests China’s deployment of oil rig Haiyang-981 within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. In its statement released on Monday, the Union demanded China immediately withdraw its oil rig and escort vehicles from Vietnam’s waters and avoid similar acts in the future in full compliance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Union called on all Vietnamese youth and youth organizations to conduct legitimate activities to encourage forces and fishermen to stay keen on fishing operation and defending Vietnam’s sovereignty and interests in the East Sea.

China's ship fires water cannons at Vietnam's ship. (Photo: VOV)

The Union expressed its hope to promote the traditional friendship between Vietnamese and Chinese youngsters. It urged youth of China and also of other countries to raise their voice for justice, international law, and peace in the region and the world.