Many Vietnamese young people have shown their strong determination to protect the national sovereignty in the context of recent Chinese incursions on the East Sea.

Since May 1, the Chinese have been carrying out exploratory oil drilling in Vietnamese waters. The incident has brought about strong reactions from the Vietnamese community.

China has also deployed vessels of various types, including military armed fishing boats and official patrols, to cruise 50-60 nautical miles off of Ly Son Island. Eight Vietnamese boats in total have been rammed and blasted with water cannons by the Chinese vessels in the past few days. Six Vietnamese nationals so far have been injured in such confrontations.

China has also been flying aircraft over a Vietnamese ships to intimidate sailors in their own waters.

The Chinese violations have raised universal opposition among young Vietnamese. On Facebook, they proved their patriotism and willingness to protect national sovereignty. Many have changed their Facebook avatars to images of the Vietnamese flag.

A Facebook avartar saying “I love Vietnam” 

The Vietnamese youth have been actively calling for more attention to be paid to issues surrounding the incident and the East Sea violations, garnering the support of the international community.

Towards the East Sea

Willing to join the army to protect our sovereignty

The letter S resembles the shape of Vietnam

Vietnamese ships being attacked by Chinese vessles posted by Facebook user

A Vietnamese man in Japan calls on the international community’s support: “Hoang Sa and Truong Sa belong to Vietnam”

Eternal love for the East Sea

Hanoi flagtower