Text from PM urges ‘defense’ of Vietnam
Print Edition
VIETNAM’S Prime Minister Tan Dung sent a text message to millions of citizens urging them to act in defense of the country’s “sovereignty” following China’s deployment of an oil rig in the South China Sea, but said “bad elements” shouldn’t be allowed to engage in violence.
The message, sent late Thursday and yesterday to subscribers via major state-owned cellphone operators, didn’t directly condemn the riots that broke out this week following China’s decision to deploy the rig on May 1. Vietnamese patrol ships sent to disrupt the rig are currently locked in a tense standoff with Chinese ships guarding it.
Anti-China protests have ended in violence and vandalism, with 400 foreign factories destroyed or damaged by mobs. At least two Chinese workers were killed and more than 100 injured at a huge Taiwan steel mill that was overrun by a 1,000-strong crowd.
There were no reports of any new violence yesterday.
Vietnam’s leaders typically clamp down on public protests of any sort, but have allowed them this time.
The government has tried to use the nationalist sentiment of its people to amplify its protests to Beijing. But violence that harms foreign investment and risks spinning out of control is unlikely to fit into this strategy, and the government will attempt to ensure that it doesn’t break out again, according to most analysts.
Reporters and television stations have been permitted to cover the protests, but the violence and vandalism have been subject to a media blackout.
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