Authorities in Binh Duong Province detained a number of agitators in an attempt to prevent the vandalisation of companies during demonstrations against the Chinese oil rig in Vietnamese waters.

 Large demonstrations in Binh Duong Province

According to Binh Duong authorities, around 500 labourers demonstrated against Chinese aggressions on the East Sea on May 12 at the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park. The demonstration lasted around three hours.

On the next day, 800 labourers in Thuan An Commune and 8,000 labourers at the Thong Dung Shoe Company took part in another demonstration. "At first, it was peaceful but some workers suddenly went into other companies and demanded the employees join the demonstration," Binh Duong authorities wrote.

As the number of demonstrators increased to an estimated 19,000, they carried out similar actions at other Chinese, Taiwanese firms. A few protesters caused damage to gates and other property. "Some people took advantage of the situation to loot, start fires and assault guards and other individuals," said Binh Duong authorities.

Breaking windows (photo: nguoilaodong)

Security forces had to be deployed to calm the situation. As of May 14, hundreds of firms had been broken into or vandalised. About 15 factories were set on fire, causing considerable damage.

The Binh Duong police worked in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security to guard companies with Chinese and Taiwanese investment and detained a number of offenders.

 Company vandalised

Labourers at the Thong Dung Shoe Company, where the demonstration started, said they did not cause the fire. "A separate group of about 100 people began by saying provocative things before they made an attack on the company. They were brandishing weapons and scared everyone here," one worker said.

On May 14, thousands of people continued demonstrations, but the numbers have decreased.