Vietnam protests new Chinese infrastructure on Paracel Islands
Hanoi demands an end to construction activities on Yagong Island and Antelope Reef
Quick Look
Vietnam has formally protested China's construction of new infrastructure, including a potential airstrip, on Yagong Island and Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, labeling the activities as illegal and a violation of its sovereignty.
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Why It Matters
The Paracel Islands are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea currently under Chinese control but claimed by Vietnam.
Hanoi voiced its strong objection after reports citing satellite imagery said new Chinese infrastructure had appeared on Yagong Island, called Ba Ba Island by Vietnam.
“Vietnam resolutely opposes this, has made serious representations and affirmed its position on the matter, and demands an immediate end to such activities and that they not be repeated,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said on Friday.
“Vietnam reiterates that all foreign activities in the Paracel Islands, including at Ba Ba Island and at Hai Sam Reef, conducted without Vietnam’s permission are completely illegal and null and void,” she added, using Vietnam’s name for Antelope Reef.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) reported on August 14 that China had completed land reclamation at Antelope Reef. First signs of major infrastructure have emerged at the new artificial island, including a “likely airstrip”.
Open Questions
- Will China respond to Vietnam's formal protest?
- What is the exact timeline for the completion of the airstrip?
