Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien told fishermen to not worry about China’s ban of fishing in the East Sea. They can still continue their job at the protection of the navy.

Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien.

Vice Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, commander of the naval forces, told fishermen to not worry about China’s ban of fishing in the East Sea. They can still continue their job at the protection of the navy.

Hien talked with journalists on the sideline of the 7^th National Assembly session. He said:

Vietnamese and Chinese have performed joint patrol, which helps open other channels of connect of contact, not only at high-ranking but lower levels, between sailors and naval soldiers in the sea to strengthen understanding, peace and friendship.

In the past, joint patrol in southwestern sea between Vietnam and Thailand was very successful. The relationship between Vietnam and Thailand was very tense in this area. However, after 20 joint patrols, there was no longer arrests and fires. A hot phone line between Vietnamese and Chinese commanders of naval forces was set up.

Sometimes my Thai counterpart called me by this hot line and said: “Our captains didn’t strictly obey the rules and arrested your fishermen. We will give back fishing equipment at this co-ordinate…” We now take advantage of this form of cooperation.

What specific measures that the naval force has taken besides joint patrol with China to relief difficulties for fishermen?

We think that strengthening joint patrol and exchange will help naval soldiers, who directly patrol the sea, further understand each other then report to the government. In addition, for Chinese fishing boats that break into Vietnamese sea, we mainly drive them away, not fire, arrest or levy fine on them. We have asked China to treat Vietnamese fishermen the same way.

We have rescued many Chinese fishermen too.

Vietnam has treated Chinese fishermen well but whether Chinese navy treat in the same way? Has the hot line between the two naval forces operated already and how?

We have talked with China many times about the appropriate behaviour be. The two naval forces have had the hot line. The two sides have several times called each other to exchange and help fishermen. I think China’s behaviour will change gradually. Recently China voluntarily rescued Vietnamese fishermen and transferred them to Vietnamese navy.

China has banned fishing in the sea of Vietnam. What is the navy’s advice for our fishermen?

We resolutely protest China’s ban of fishing in the sea of Vietnam. To ensure safety for our fishermen in Vietnamese sea, I confirm that naval boats are patrolling in Vietnamese sea to firstly clean up our sea, drive away foreign boats and secondly protect our fishermen.

PV