Japan protests thrust East Sea dispute into int'l spotlight

The protesters, carrying banners inscribed in both the Japanese and Vietnamese languages calling for an end to China’s military build-up in the Vietnam Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, marched for in excess of one hour around the office of the Consulate General of China in Osaka.

They strongly voiced their objections to China’s infringement of international law in the East Sea as well as their hope for a diplomatic settlement of the maritime dispute through nonviolent dialogue.

One participating Vietnamese resident of Osaka, said she and her friends in Japan were participating in the protest to show their respect for those who lost their lives in the East Sea to protect Vietnam’s national sovereignty.

Joining the demonstration, the Japanese community with near unanimity condemned China for its policy of expansionism in the sea and called on the country to observe the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Another participating Vietnamese resident of Japan read aloud a letter of protest against China’s actions in the East Sea that had earlier been delivered to the office of the Consulate General of China.

Previously, a similar march transpired in Tokyo with more than 200 participating Vietnamese and Japanese residents, which like the demonstrations in Osaka, drew great attention— thrusting the East Sea dispute into the international spotlight.