Vietnamese fishermen have confirmed that the “strange ships” attack vessels within Vietnamese waters are in fact Chinese.

A Chinese vessel spraying water cannons at a smaller Vietnamese one

After staying silent for some time, Vietnamese fishermen have decided that it is better to let the public know about the transgressions of these aggressive ships. A number of Chinese vessels, disguised as fishing boats, but armoured with metal have been ramming civilian Vietnamese fishing boats.

On the afternoon of May 26,  a Vietnamese boat from Danang, owned by Huynh Thi Kim Thoa, was encircled by around 40 Chinese fishing vessels before being attacked.

The incident occurred at 4pm about 17 nautical miles from the Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig. All ten fishermen were rescued by other ships of Vietnam.

There are many reports of attacks by Chinese ships from fishermen in central Vietnam. Many of the aggressive vessels are disguised to hide their nationality.

Mrs. Dang Thi Suong, the wife of a fisherman, said that fishing is a tradition among local people and the sole means of income for many.

Vietnamese fishermen now have to cope with not only fierce natural disasters, but also threats from Chinese ships in the country's attempt to monopolise the East Sea. China wants to make Vietnamese fishermen frightened to the point that they abandon the area around the Hoang Sa Islands.

Mrs. Thoa, the owner of another boat, said, “Even if we are the only Vietnamese ship left going out to sea, we will still continue our work to earn a living and protect our national sovereignty.”