(VOVworld) – The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) on Tuesday released a statement expressing its concern over escalating tensions in the East Sea caused by China’s illegal placement of an oilrig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. The association asked China to clarify the legal basis for deploying the rig and escort ships in Vietnamese waters as well as its provocative acts such as ramming and firing water cannons at Vietnamese vessels. The association urged China to abide by the UN Charter and act as a member of the UN Security Council in maintaining and protecting peace, stability, and security in the region and the world. It also asked China to stop complicating the situation, increasing tensions in the region, and threatening maritime safety and security in the East Sea.