Over 80 NGOs Urge UK, Japan, and India to Reject China’s Maritime Claims

Over 80 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups around the world signed a joint letter urging the United Kingdom, Japan, and India to denounce China’s maritime claims in the East Sea (South China Sea). The participated organizations and groups, of which many were run by overseas Vietnamese people, made the move following the declarations from the United States and Australian governments in rejecting the claims of China in the region recently. The community-led letter highlighted the United Kingdom, Japan, and India as maritime democracies and that they have key roles in safeguarding peace and stability within the region by reinforcing respect for international rule of law. The letter also pointed out that China’s “nine-dash line” claim is unlawful per the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. (Vietnam Panorama)