(VOVworld) – Vietnamese people at home and abroad have been protesting China’s illegal placement of an oilrig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Many art performances have been held to raise funds in support of the fishermen and marine police who are defending national maritime sovereignty. Ngoc Nga reports:

The Vietnam Musicians’ Association has introduced a number of new songs about Vietnam’s seas and islands. Association President Do Hong Quan said more than 100 songs have been sent to the association, expressing national pride and patriotism and objection to China’s illegal acts in the East Sea. Many of these songs were written during field trips. The movement to compose songs in praise of Vietnam’s seas and islands has spread nationwide. Vice President of the Vietnam Musicians’ Association Cat Van said: “These songs are written in different genres but they all focus on the East Sea and protest China’s wrongful acts. Some praise the air force and the naval force. Others refer to Vietnamese marine police and fisheries resources surveillance forces. They are very contemporary.”

Art performances to raise funds in support of law enforcement forces at sea have drawn public praise. A music gala was held in Hanoi last week gathering hundreds of famous artists and musicians nationwide. Emeritus Tan Minh said: “Artists like us want an arts program in which to make our contributions. Although our contribution is small, we want to do something for Vietnam’s seas and islands.” Such arts programs feature the feelings of people on the mainland and the soldiers stationed on islands. The songs extol the love for the homeland of a peace-loving nation which is determined to defend its national sovereignty. Nguyen Anh Ky, a student from the National University of Art Education, said: “These programs kindle enthusiasm and patriotism among young people. I hope that more arts programs will be held to encourage everyone to turn their hearts to the East Sea.”