Vietnamese Navy Confronts Chinese Ships, Tensions Increase [Video]

Early Wednesday morning, Vietnamese vessels intercepted Chinese ships that were planning to place an oil rig off of Vietnam’s coast. This confrontation has caused tensions in the South China Sea to rise since both countries claim the area.

Although no shots were fired in this altercation, this event marks the most serious event between these two countries in recent years.

China placed its $1 billion oil rig 140 miles off the Vietnamese coast, and forbid any foreign ship from traveling within a three-mile radius of the ship. The Chinese government seeks to attain sovereignty in the South China Sea, but many southeastern Asian nations view these movements as acts of aggression. For instance, the Chinese vessels have fired water cannons at the Vietnamese ships, injuring several sailors. In addition, Chinese ships have also “intentionally rammed two Vietnamese Sea Guard Vessels” reports Tran Duy Hai, a Foreign Ministry official.

In response to these earlier displays of power, the Vietnamese Navy has finally fought back, sending 29 armed ships to the area. Although these ships are viewed as a display of force, they are still outnumbered by the Chinese fleet escorting the rig.

The Chinese has been proudly displaying its extensive economic and military influence, especially since it knows that Vietnam has no hope of competing with the Chinese military. However, some are questioning China’s recent actions. Jen Psaki, a state department spokesperson, called China’s actions “provocative and unhelpful to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.”

China maintains that it has a right to these waters, mainly because they discovered the waters first and they believe they are the de facto rulers. However, Vietnam also adamantly asserts ownership of the area.

If neither side backs off then a full-out war could escalate between the two seething nations. In the past 40 years, over 130 Vietnamese sailors have died over disputed territory.

Lately, the Chinese government has also been harassing Vietnamese fishing vessels as a further display of dominance. Although many foreign nations have criticized China’s recent expansion, China replies that the US has no right to make unwarranted remarks on China’s sovereign rights.

Despite the Vietnamese Navy’s opposition to the placement of China’s oil rig, they can only hope that China does not respond with full military force. Putting aside their recent clashes, China is still a vital economic partner to Vietnam, and Vietnam can expect little help from its neighboring allied countries.