May 22, 2014Re.: China’s Placement of Oil Rig HD-981 in Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic ZoneAs you know, over the years China has been using the unfounded nine-dashed line to claim ownership of the entire Southeast Asia Sea (South China Sea). This nine-dashed line, according to experts throughout the world, has no legal basis whatsoever. Nevertheless, China has been using that nine-dashed line to harass smaller countries in the region, especially the Philippines and Vietnam, in disregard of international law and world opinion.

The current dangerous situation began on May 2, 2014, when China placed oil rig HD-981 in Vietnam’s EEZ with a flotilla of 80 military ships to ships, attacking Vietnamese patrol vessels working in the area.

We call upon you as well as other leaders (i) to request that the government of China immediately withdraw its oil rig HD-981 and other vessels from the East Sea and to use international law to resolve any dispute, and (ii) to urge the relevant parties, international and regional institutions, especially the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to be more active in urging China to stop its belligerent and provocative acts.

Together with many thousands of peace-loving people in the world, We urge you to review this petition and look forward to your response soon. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.