China rushes to evacuate citizens from Vietnam(3)

STRONG PROTEST

While sparing no efforts to guarantee the safety of its nationals, Beijing also lodged a strong protest with Vietnam and condemned the violence.

The Chinese government demanded Vietnam take resolute and effective measures to stop all violence, ensure the safety of all Chinese nationals and companies, punish all perpetrators and compensate affected Chinese companies and nationals.

The deadly violence, which came after Vietnamese ships and personnel repeatedly harassed the normal operations of a Chinese oil company in undisputed waters in the South China Sea, cannot be justified under any circumstances.

It only tarnishes Vietnam's international image and undermines the government's credibility. Such chaos could deal a serious blow to the fast-growing Southeast Asian economy, posing a real threat to Vietnam's own stability and national security.

Major Chinese travel agencies have called off their Vietnam tours, and a foreign ministry spokesman has said China will suspend some of its plans for bilateral exchanges with Vietnam.