VietNamNet Bridge – On Saturday afternoon, more than 200 Vietnamese living and studying in Melbourne, Australia and Australian friends, joined a peaceful demonstration in front of the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne to protest China’s illegal rig in Vietnam’s waters.

Protesters included Vietnamese who left the country decades ago, young people who were born and grew up in Australia, and Vietnamese students. They sang Vietnamese songs to display their patriotism and shouted slogans demanding that China respect international law and stop infringing on Vietnam sovereignty.

"Respecting the territorial sovereignty of other countries is the basic principle of international law, particularly for the big countries. China has violated these rules," said Mr. John Hamilton, a lecturer of Victoria University, who joined the demonstration.

At the demonstration, Joel Haire, a lecturer at Swinsburne Economics University, expressed his sympathy to the concerns and aspirations of the people of Vietnam and their friends.

"China is creating a bad precedent in international relations and you are doing the best you can – joining peaceful demonstrations – to raise awareness for the Australian people and the world," said Joel, adding that the presence of the two Australian newspapers, ABC News and SBS, at the demonstration is the initial success.

"We are here to deliver a message to Vietnam that you are not alone," said Mr. Adan  from Swinburne University.

Phan Van Danh, a Vietnamese-Australian entrepreneur, said that besides engaging in peaceful demonstrations, he and his friends plan to enlist all communication channels to help Australian friends understand China's expansionist intentions. China’s illegal act in the East Sea is not only a concern for Vietnam.

On Sunday, the Vietnamese community in Melbourne will also host a march from downtown to the Chinese Consulate, with the participation of about 1,000 people.

Previously, Vietnamese students pasted posters in some universities and public places to protest the actions of China in Vietnam’s waters.

Phuong Loan (from Melbourne)