The rising confrontations between the Chinese Coast Guard and their Philippine counterparts have been making headlines, but another country in the South China Sea is increasingly finding itself at odds with Beijing’s aggressive maritime maneuvering. Vietnam has expressed significant concerns over the heightened activity of Chinese research vessels in its waters, calling on Beijing to cease its “illegal activities.”
In line with China’s maritime Gray zone tactics, there has been an uptick in the frequency and duration of Chinese ships operating within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), raising tensions between the two nations. In 2023, a Chinese survey vessel conducted a month-long incursion into Vietnam’s EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from the country’s coast.
The tension between China and Vietnam represents another potential flashpoint in the already contentious South China Sea. Chinese research, coast guard, and civilian ships have maintained a persistent presence in these waters while also harassing Vietnamese oil and gas operations. On June 6, 2024, Vietnam explicitly voiced its concerns regarding the survey activities of the Hai Yang 26 vessel within its EEZ and continental shelf. Hanoi has registered its disapproval through diplomatic channels, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
“Vietnam is extremely concerned and resolutely opposes and demands that China end the illegal survey activities of the Hai Yang 26 vessel within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982),” stated Phạm Thu Hằng, a spokesperson for Vietnam’s foreign ministry, on June 6.
The persistent presence of Chinese survey vessels in the region is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to assert its claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, an area rich in untapped oil and natural gas reserves. The sea is estimated to contain 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Hai Yang 26, the vessel at the center of the recent controversy, is a multi-functional scientific research ship operated by the China Geological Survey, a sub-agency under the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources. With an endurance of 35 days, it is equipped with 32 geological survey equipment modules for drilling, static cone penetration, geophysical surveys, and mineral studies. Its sophisticated electronic equipment includes single-beam and multi-beam echosounders, an acoustic Doppler current profiler, and seismic data collection tools.
Survey vessels like Hai Yang 26 are designed to examine subsea structures by sending sound waves into the ocean and collecting samples from the seabed. According to the International Maritime Organization’s database, 64 registered Chinese survey vessels were built in or after 1990, surpassing the 44 in the US and 23 in Japan.
Typically, survey activities of ships flagged to other nations can be distinguished by the vessel’s operator. In the United States, for example, military surveys are conducted by the U.S. Navy, marine scientific research by universities or civilian organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and commercial surveys by private companies. However, such distinctions are blurred within China’s state-owned fleet, making it difficult to ascertain the exact purpose of most surveys. China’s civil-military integration policy likely means that data collected by Chinese survey vessels is shared among scientific, military, and commercial entities.
China’s aggressive pursuit of seabed mining further complicates the situation. Underwater profiling in the South China Sea aids China’s operations of subsurface vessels like Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). This profiling is crucial for both civilian and military applications, as it helps in understanding the seabed’s geological conditions, which is essential for the detection of submarines and for planning naval operations.
In 2019, Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels engaged in a week-long confrontation over a reef in the South China Sea, marking one of the most significant clashes between the two nations in five years. This confrontation followed a major stand-off in 2014 when a Chinese oil rig arrived near the disputed Paracel Islands. In 2023, another standoff occurred as Vietnam expanded its oil drilling operations in Vanguard Bank, an area claimed by both nations. Both countries sent ships into the area, attempting to expel the other side’s vessels.
China’s construction of military fortresses on disputed islands has further escalated tensions. Satellite imagery in recent years has confirmed China’s land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, where it has been building ports, military installations, and airstrips, particularly in the Paracel and Spratly Islands. Notably, China has militarized Woody Island by deploying fighter jets, cruise missiles, and a radar system.
While the ostensible goals of these surveys are scientific, the data they produce on seabed conditions serve both civilian and military purposes. Seismic data is critical in assessing geological conditions, the presence of hydrocarbons, and water depths—all factors that affect submarine detection capabilities. Research vessels involved in scientific research can also use their instruments for naval reconnaissance, gathering intelligence on foreign military facilities and vessels operating nearby.
By studying seasonal deployment patterns in the region, China can optimize its submarine operations. Understanding maximum depths aids in visualizing mine warfare scenarios. Continual wind data collection informs take-off and landing requirements for both enemy jets and China’s airpower in the region. This capability is crucial as the US naval force, along with its allies, continues to traverse the South China Sea to maintain freedom of navigation in international waters.
The US and its allies have conducted regular freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, challenging China’s expansive territorial claims. These operations are intended to assert the right of passage through what international law recognizes as international waters. The US Navy’s presence in the region serves as a counterbalance to China’s assertive actions, aiming to ensure that the South China Sea remains open and accessible to all nations.
The strategic significance of the South China Sea cannot be overstated. It is a crucial maritime route for global trade, with an estimated $3.4 trillion worth of trade passing through its waters annually. The sea’s rich resources and strategic location make it a critical area of interest for regional and global powers.
Vietnam, like other Southeast Asian nations, finds itself navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. While it seeks to maintain sovereignty over its EEZ and exploit its natural resources, it must also contend with China’s growing influence and assertiveness. Diplomatic efforts, regional alliances, and military preparedness are all part of Vietnam’s strategy to counter China’s moves.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a pivotal role in regional diplomacy, with member states working collectively to address common challenges. However, differing national interests and varying levels of dependence on China make a unified stance on South China Sea issues challenging to achieve.
In response to China’s actions, Vietnam has sought to strengthen its defense capabilities and deepen its strategic partnerships with other countries. It has engaged in defense cooperation with the United States, Japan, and India, among others, to enhance its maritime security and safeguard its interests in the South China Sea.
As the situation in the South China Sea continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful. The balance of power, freedom of navigation, and regional stability hinge on the actions and reactions of the key players involved. The rising tensions between China and Vietnam are a testament to the complexities and high stakes in the South China Sea, a region where strategic interests, national sovereignty, and international law intersect in a volatile mix.
The ongoing developments underscore the need for a robust and coherent international approach to manage disputes and prevent escalation. Diplomatic engagement, adherence to international law, and cooperative mechanisms are essential in ensuring that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity for all.
