Scores of activists were yesterday detained in Vietnam’s capital as they gathered to protest against China after it rejected a recent international ruling that dismissed its claims to much of the South China Sea.
Anti-Chinese sentiment runs deep in communist Vietnam, but the country’s authoritarian rulers move swiftly to tamp down expressions of public anger, fearful that allowing such protests might embolden criticism of their rule.
Activists used social media to call for protests in Hanoi yesterday in the wake of last week’s ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, which found there was no legal basis for Beijing’s claims to vast swathes of the South China Sea.
The case was brought by the Philippines, but the ruling has been a boon for other regional countries like Vietnam, who also have competing claims to the strategic sea.
Authorities in the capital were yesterday ready for protests.
Plainclothes security forces were out in force, blanketing much of the city center and keeping a close eye on any crowds that might be gathering, one reporter on the scene said.
Throughout the morning, about 30 activists were swiftly bundled onto waiting buses and cars by security forces after they gathered to hold a protest near the city’s famous Hoan Kiem Lake, a common spot for demonstrations.
Some chanted: “Down with China invasion!” as they were led away to detention.
Later in the day, a group of nine activists held a brief rally outside the embassy of the Philippines. One held aloft a banner that read: “Thank you Philippines. You have a brave government.”
The group dispersed on motorbikes before security forces arrived.
Activists posted pictures on social media of similar flash mob rallies in southern Ho Chi Minh City, with protesters riding around the city on motorbikes holding banners criticizing China.
Beijing lays claim to virtually all of the South China Sea, putting it at odds with regional neighbors Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, which also have partial claims.
China boycotted the international tribunal’s hearings, saying the court had no jurisdiction, and has reacted furiously, vowing to ignore the ruling and arguing it misinterprets international law.
Vietnam and China frequently trade diplomatic barbs over the disputed Paracel Islands (Xisha Islands, 西沙群島) and waters in the South China Sea.
China has encouraged patriotic citizens to visit the contested Paracels.
Such acts have deepened already simmering anti-Chinese sentiment in Vietnam, while domestic critics accuse Hanoi of being too meek toward its giant northern neighbor.
At least three Chinese were killed in 2014 when rioting broke out in Vietnam after Beijing sent an oil rig into contested waters.
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