Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh has extended an invitation to Chinese media to participate in field trips into Vietnam’s territorial waters where China has illegally placed its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 to learn the truth behind their slanderous allegations.

The sunken Vietnamese fishing boat was retrieved for repairs

Vinh was speaking in an interview granted to Vietnam Television on June 6 after online media published video footage in which a big steel Chinese ship intentionally sank a Vietnamese fishing boat on May 26, putting fishermen in great danger.

Such an aggressive, violent act has concerned the whole world, forcing peace-loving people to be sceptical about the so-called scheme of ‘peaceful rise’ that China has committed to.

Defying the public, China has tried to mislead and deceive its people by providing local media with incorrect information, accusing Vietnam of deliberately attacking its giant ship.

“I believe that Chinese media will not do this if they obtain accurate information,” Vinh said.

According to the Senior Lieutenant General, many local and foreign reporters have registered for field trips to the waters, and they have provided the public with a comprehensive description of the happenings at sea.

“Once again, we would like to invite Chinese media and other foreign news agencies to this sea area aboard the Vietnam Coast Guard ships to learn about the truth. We will guarantee security and safety for them. ….. I think they [Chinese media] will have a different vision.”

Vinh also confirmed that “We are capable of retaliating against China for its provocative actions, but we restrain from doing so because this goes against international law and Vietnamese tradition.

“I believe that if any Chinese fishermen are in distress, the Vietnam Coast Guard will rescue and bring them ashore safely.”

“China fails to fulfil their commitment to the world. They are untrustworthy. They are not to be trusted with the international community, neighbours, and more importantly their citizens in the long run.

 “We do hope that China develops in peace and they should stop actions that are not commensurate with a world power of which their citizens are proud.”

VNA/VNN