By Louis ‘Barok’ C. Biraogo
In the treacherous waters of the South China Sea, a silent war is being waged, and at the heart of this maritime turmoil is China, wielding its naval might with a reckless disregard for international norms and human rights. The latest flashpoint: China’s intrusive survey activities within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a brazen act that underscores its relentless pursuit to dominate one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.
Vietnam has not merely raised concerns; it has issued a stern rebuke. On June 6, Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry unequivocally demanded that China cease its illegal survey activities by the Hai Yang 26 vessel in its EEZ. This vessel, a sophisticated piece of China’s maritime arsenal, is equipped with cutting-edge survey technology, capable of conducting extensive geological and seismic studies. Yet, beneath its veneer of scientific exploration lies a more sinister agenda: gathering data that bolsters China’s strategic and military interests.
This latest provocation is part of a broader pattern of Chinese aggression. Since 2019, Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels have clashed repeatedly, most notably over the disputed Vanguard Bank, an area rich in untapped oil and gas reserves. Satellite images reveal China’s ongoing reclamation efforts in the Spratly and Paracel Islands, transforming coral reefs into military fortresses bristling with missiles, fighter jets, and radar systems. These fortifications are not just symbols of territorial claim; they are strategic outposts that project China’s military reach across the region.
China’s tactics are nothing short of audacious. Its survey vessels, ostensibly engaged in scientific research, are equipped with technology that can also serve military reconnaissance purposes. They map seabed conditions, assess the presence of hydrocarbons, and gather data crucial for submarine operations and mine warfare. This dual-use capability means that every survey mission is a potential step towards militarizing the ocean floor, enhancing China’s ability to project power and undermine regional stability.
Vietnam, in contrast, has shown remarkable restraint and resolve. It has steadfastly defended its rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), even as Chinese vessels harass its oil and gas operations. Vietnam’s calls for diplomatic engagement and its firm stance against China’s provocations are commendable, but they are also perilously inadequate in the face of China’s relentless expansion.
China’s behavior in the South China Sea is a stark violation of international law and a blatant disregard for the sovereignty of its neighbors. Its actions are not just about territorial claims; they are about reshaping regional dynamics to suit its hegemonic ambitions. This is a clear and present danger not just to Vietnam but to the stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region.
The world cannot afford to remain a passive bystander. It is time to rally behind Vietnam and other affected nations, supporting their rights under international law and their legitimate claims to sovereignty. The United States and its allies must intensify their patrols in the South China Sea, demonstrating unwavering support for freedom of navigation and the rule of law. Diplomatic pressure must be ramped up, with clear messages from the international community that any further aggression by China will have significant consequences.
Moreover, the ASEAN nations must present a united front, leveraging their collective bargaining power to demand that China respects international norms and cease its unlawful activities. The United Nations must also step in, reinforcing the rulings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which unequivocally rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Vietnam’s courage and determination are inspiring, but they are not enough on their own. The international community must act now, with resolve and unity, to check China’s expansionist tendencies. The stakes are too high, and the risks too great, for the world to stand idly by. This is not just a regional issue; it is a test of the international order and the very principles of justice and peace that underpin it. The time for action is now.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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