Vietnam Continues Buildup In South China Sea

[Valin]

Via Meadia:

12/8/16

 

Vietnam continues its efforts to build up muscle in the South China Sea, with new images revealing that Hanoi has begun preliminary dredging work on Ladd Reef. Reuters:

 

Vietnam has begun dredging work on a disputed reef in the South China Sea, satellite imagery shows, the latest move by the Communist state to bolster its claims in the strategic waterway.

 

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Ladd Reef is situated just to the west of Spratly Island, where Vietnam has lately been extending a runway that will allow for the deployment of maritime spy aircraft. The early work on Ladd Reef—already home to a Vietnamese lighthouse and housing for a small contingent of soldiers—could be aimed at defending that nearby outpost.

 

In any case, Vietnam is taking no chances when it comes to China. Hanoi has been taking a hard-line stance against Beijing’s claims for some time now, boosting military spending and carrying out its own reclamation in the South China Sea. The current climate of uncertainty in Asia could exacerbate the trend.

 

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