The Calgary Vietnamese community stood united on Sunday afternoon in protest of alleged oppression at the homeland brought forth by China.
More than 75 Vietnamese ranging from kids all the way up to seniors started out at City Hall before marching for about 30 minutes, ending up at the Chinese consulate.
The group chanted different sayings, disparaging the Red China occupation, waving signs such as "Say no to Red China Expansionism" and "PM (Vietnam Prime Minister) Nguyen Tan Dung = Traitor."
"They like to bully their neighbours, the smaller ones. We have to stand firm to them and say no, no, no," said Bich Nguyen, a spokesman for the protesters.
He said the bullying techniques have been going on for more than 3,000 years, ramping up in 1974 when China invaded the Paracel Islands just off the coast of Vietnam, occupying it ever since.
The battle over the island cost 74 Vietnam soldiers their lives.
Fourteen years later, China did the same thing with the Spratly Islands.
"We want to voice our objection to China," he said.
While Nguyen has lived in Canada for 30 years with the majority of his family, his in-laws are still in Vietnam.
"We are here to show our solidarity to the people of Vietnam," he said.
"To show them they are not alone. They are fighting an uphill battle against oppression."
Nguyen said there were similar protests in Vietnam. However, these ended a lot differently.
"They arrested them up in busloads, they just came and wrapped the demonstrating people," he said.
"That's very sad. How can you arrest the people who express their patriotism."
The Vietnam government continues to do nothing about it, according to Nguyen.
The protesters asked the Vietnam government to release all protesters, political prisoners and conscience prisoners, as well as a boycott of Chinese goods they say are of poor quality and aren't safe for users.
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