VIETNAM PROTECTS WATERS

Do Van Hau, president and chief executive officer of Petrovietnam, said at a May 23 press conference that China has not provided a legal basis to justify the view of "disputed waters."

Petrovietnam said it sent a protest letter on May 4 to the president of China National Offshore Oil Corp. regarding the position of a drilling rig. Petrovietnam said CNOOC positioned the rig in Vietnamese waters on May 2.

He said China's purpose is to turn an "undisputed" area into a "disputed" one.

"Vietnam resolutely rejects this wrong view and affirms determination to protect the legitimate interests by peaceful means, in accordance with international law," he said, adding, "For a long time, Vietnam has managed and effectively exploited the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam, including oil and gas activities."

ogj.com