The China National
Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced on July 15 that the rig Haiyang
Shiyou-981 has completed the drilling and exploration near Tri Ton island of
Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, and is heading towards Lingshui
region of Hainan island.
The leading oil and gas
producer in China had illegally drilled two wells since early May and completed
the work on May 27 and July 15.
The CNPC’s statement comes
amidst worries that typhoon Rammasun which is heading towards the East Sea will
continue to regain strength and cause great damage.
The Vietnam law enforcement
force found that oil platform Haiyang Shiyou-981 was moving northwest from its
location at 21.10pm on July 15. The platform was escorted by a large number of
vessels.
Many Chinese fishing boats
operating near the oil rig were also found moving towards Hainan island.
China illegally towed its
giant floating rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and
continental shelf on May 1. It also dispatched a large fleet of armed vessels,
military ships and aircraft to protect the rig.
Its actions have received
strong protests from Vietnam and the world.
Source:
VOV
