The presence of a Chinese survey ship in South China Sea territory claimed by Vietnam has led to a stand-off between the countries’ coastguard vessels. Photo: China Geological Survey
SCMP: China and Vietnam in stand-off over Chinese survey ship mission to disputed reef in South China Sea
* Coastguard vessels eye each other across Vanguard Bank
* Haiyang Dizhi entered waters near reef to carry out seismic survey operation
Chinese and Vietnamese coastguard vessels have been involved in a week-long confrontation over a reef in the South China Sea, risking the biggest clash between the two nations in five years.
The stand-off may trigger a wave of anti-China sentiment in Vietnam not seen since 2014, when a Chinese oil rig arrived off the disputed Paracel Islands.
Six heavily armed coastguards vessels – two Chinese and four Vietnamese – have been eyeing each other in patrols around Vanguard Bank in the Spratly group of islands since last week. About a dozen vessels were reported in the vicinity by marine tracking websites on Thursday.
The stand-off emerged despite a pledge in May by Chinese and Vietnamese defence ministers to settle maritime disputes by negotiation.
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Update: China, Vietnam ships in standoff in disputed South China Sea (Times of India)
WNU Editor: There is no common ground between China and Vietnam on this issue. In the meantime Chinese President Xi is trying to project a positive image when it comes to Vietnam .... China Focus: Xi calls on China, Vietnam to lift ties to new level (Xinhuanet).
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