Vietnamese soccer club’s snide name snubs China

As tensions between Beijing and Hanoi escalate over the South China Sea, anti-China protesters in Vietnam who face repeated police crackdowns started a soccer team as a new form of political expression.

They call themselves "No U FC" - a reference to the U-shaped line China has drawn around almost the entire sea, an area where potential oil deposits, strategic shipping routes and fishing rights converge. While "FC" stands for Football Club, or, as some players say it really represents "F**k China."

It was formed after police arrested dozens of anti-China protesters last year, fearing their actions could evolve into a wider, harder-to-control anti-government movement.

After the crackdown, Phuong, the team's captain, and other protesters decided to start the team. About 30 players turned up for their first practice on October 30 last year. Their supporters waved anti-China banners and shouted "down with Chinese aggression."

Undercover police usually keep watch, and nearly all have been detained at some point. Police officials were unavailable to comment.

On a recent Sunday, nearly 100 "No U FC" members showed up. Their ages range from 10 to 60. Nguyen Van Dung, a goalkeeper, said the Vietnamese government needs to put more pressure on China.

"The team might connive with authorities to attract international attention and counterweigh China in the South China Sea," Zhuang Guotu, dean of the School for Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, told the Global Times.

None of the tactics will sway China's firm stance on its own territory, Zhuang added.

Global Times - Agencies