China deployed a research ship along with five escort vessels to a region where a Russian state corporation jointly operates a gas block with Hanoi in the energy-rich South China Sea on Friday, disregarding Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
After initially sending in the research vessel earlier this month along with at least one ship from the Chinese coast guard and almost a dozen additional vessels, the move represents Beijing’s most recent act of escalation in the area.
China Continues Provocative Actions in the South China Sea
On Friday, the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 passed through the 04-03 gas block, which is managed by Vietsovpetr, a partnership between PetroVietnam and Russian-owned Zarubezhneft.
After the Chinese ship first arrived in the area on May 7, Vietnam requested that it leave the area around the Spratly Islands. The news was announced one day later.
China has made an effort to assert its sovereignty over the entirety of the South China Sea and has recently stepped up its hostility toward nearby countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam that have territorial claims in the large body of water.
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Vietnam Demands Chinese Vessels Depart from Area
Following their passage through block 129, which is also run by Vietgazprom, the Chinese warships were ordered to leave the area by Vietnam on Thursday, in a rare public announcement.
Following the announcement, a Chinese official, Mao Ning, said in response to questioning from reporters, Beijing has sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and jurisdiction over nearby waters.
The exclusive economic zones of other countries are open to international shipping because they are not directly under the control of any one sovereign, even though those countries do have jurisdictional rights there under international law that give them special privileges in terms of exploration, resource use, and energy production.
Regional organizations like the Organization of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been aggressively fostering communication and collaboration among member states in response to the mounting concerns.
Yet, reaching a consensus and resolving the intricate territorial issues in the South China Sea remain difficult tasks.
A clear reminder of the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and power struggles in the area is provided by the incident involving China’s incursion into Vietnamese waters close to a Russian gas block.
In order to preserve peace, stability, and the rule-based order in the South China Sea, it highlights the importance of ongoing international involvement, diplomatic efforts, and adherence to international law.
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