Vietnam Has Begun Dredging Work On A Disputed Reef In The South China Sea

Reuters: Exclusive: Risking Beijing's ire, Vietnam begins dredging on South China Sea reef

Vietnam has begun dredging work on a disputed reef in the South China Sea, satellite imagery shows, the latest move by the Communist state to bolster its claims in the strategic waterway.

Activity visible on Ladd Reef in the Spratly Islands could anger Hanoi's main South China Sea rival, Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the group and most of the resource-rich sea.

Ladd Reef, on the south-western fringe of the Spratlys, is completely submerged at high tide but has a lighthouse and an outpost housing a small contingent of Vietnamese soldiers. The reef is also claimed by Taiwan.

In an image taken on Nov. 30 and provided by U.S.-based satellite firm Planet Labs, several vessels can be seen in a newly dug channel between the lagoon and open sea.

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Update: Vietnam Starts Active Work on Disputed South China Sea Reef (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: Vietnam is expecting China to up its military presence and enforcement of its territorial claims int he region .... South China Sea: Vietnam prepares for dangerous days ahead as the country's fisheries clash with Chinese authorities (ABC News Online).