The PM’s request comes after several extremists, joining gatherings in several localities in protest against China’s illegal placement of its drilling rig Ocean-981 in Vietnam’s territorial waters, incited workers to damage properties of companies, including those owned by foreign investors, and resist against on-duty law enforcement officials.

A meeting was held in Haiphong city on May 14, protesting against China's provocative acts in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf

The PM described the situation as ‘serious’ as it causes social disorder and affects business production, local people’s lives, the investment environment, and the correct foreign policy of the Vietnamese Party and State.

He called for effective measures in place to stabilise the situation and ensure the lives, properties and production of businesses, including those owned by foreign investors.

The designated ministries, agencies and localities were required to encourage people not to lend a helping hand to extremists to carry out law-breaking activities, while uniting to maintain security and order, as well as production.

They were asked to promptly take appropriate measures to help businesses resume normal operation. They were also urged to inform diplomatic corps and foreign investors of the consistent, correct policy of the Vietnamese Party and State to facilitate and guarantee foreign businesses, organisations and their lives in Vietnam in accordance with Vietnamese law and international commitments.

The Vietnam News Agency reported that over the past few days, workers at industrial parks and export processing zones in HCM City, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai have held rallies to protest against China’s illegal installation of its oil rig in Vietnam’s territorial waters.

A number of extremists incited workers to break the gates, walls and properties of companies invested by businesses from Taiwan, China and some other countries, causing public disorder. Some even took advantage of the disorder to loot properties and set fire on factories. 

Measures have been deployed to protect the foreign invested companies and restore order.