(BGF) – The news of USA Today reported that Vietnamese ships and Chinese naval vessels collided Wednesday in the South China Sea as Hanoi sought to prevent Beijing from setting up an oil rig in waters claimed by both nations.
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Vietnam tries to stop China oil rig deployment
May 7, 2014 | By Chris Brummitt in Hanoi
(Photo Credit by Jin LiangKuai, AP)
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnamese naval vessels and Chinese ships collided Wednesday in the South China Sea as Hanoi sought to prevent Beijing from setting up an oil rig in an area claimed by both nations, a Vietnamese government official said.
The official said no shots were fired and there were no reports of injuries in the incident, the most serious in years between the two countries at sea. If neither side steps down, clashes could break out between the two navies in what has long been regarded as a possible global flashpoint.
China’s stationing of the oil rig over the weekend has been seen as one of its most provocative steps in a gradual campaign of asserting its sovereignty in the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.
Two foreign diplomats said Vietnam dispatched up to 29 armed naval and coast guard ships to areas near the oil rig when it became aware of China’s intentions. Citing a Chinese diplomat, one said the Vietnamese deployment was meant to be a “show of force” to get Beijing to withdraw the rig.
All spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.
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