14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Vietnam

US sides with Vietnam against China’s bullying of oil operations in South China Sea

Washington has voiced concerns over China`s aggression after Beijing harassed Hanoi`s long-lasting oil operations.

China was interfering with Vietnam’s “long-standing” exploration and production of undersea energy resources, the US State Department said after Beijing deployed survey ship to Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea (SCS) over the past weeks. 
 
the US State Department's Spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus. Photo: CNN
The US State Department's Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus. Photo: CNN
“China’s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threaten regional energy security and undermine the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market,” the department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. 

The spokesperson considered China’s activities “provocative and destabilizing” and called on Beijing to stop its “bullying” behavior and refrain from engaging in these.

“China’s reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the SCS, along with other efforts to assert its unlawful SCS maritime claims, including the use of maritime militia to intimidate, coerce, and threaten other nations, undermine the peace and security of the region,” Ortagus said.

The coercion is an indication Beijing is seeking “to assert control over oil and gas resources in the South China Sea.”

“The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims,” the spokesperson emphasized.

Boat standoff

 
Vietnam exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Photo: AMTI
Territorial claims by countries the South China Sea. Photo: AMTI
A Chinese coast guard vessel has been patrolling since June 16 around a seabed tract about 352 kilometers off the coast of southeastern Vietnam, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) under the US-based think tank Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). 

Those patrols are “centered on” oil and gas Block 06-01 northwest of Da Vanh Khan (Vanguard Bank) on the Vietnamese continental shelf, the AMTI says. It also falls within China’s nine-dash line – a unilaterally-claimed line which covers more than 90% of the sea. 

However, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled the Chinese claim to own the South China Sea, based on a vaguely defined nine-dash line around the waterway, was illegal.

Chinese maritime militia ships and multiple merchant marine vessels joined the coast guard vessel, geopolitical research organization Stratfor Worldview says in a July 16 report. Their presence led to a “standoff”. Vietnam eventually asked the Chinese exploration vessel and coast guard ships to leave.

Vietnam’s Vanguard Bank has “frequently been at the heart of Vietnam and China’s long-standing maritime tensions, with Beijing trying to limit or block Hanoi from exploring in what it considers disputed territory,” according to Stratfor Worldview.

China’s aggression on Vietnam’s long-lasting oil operations has been reported several times. In 2014, Beijing deployed Haiyang 981 oil rig within Vietnam’s territorial waters, resulting in deadly anti-China riots in Vietnam.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Hanoi’s Party chief outlines agenda at voter meeting

Hanoi’s Party chief outlines agenda at voter meeting

The candidates pledge institutional reform, infrastructure upgrades and a stronger focus on science, technology and public services as the capital prepares for the 16th National Assembly term.

Young generation steps up to power climate action

Young generation steps up to power climate action

As climate risks intensify across Southeast Asia, young people are being called upon to move from awareness to action, harnessing technology, creativity and policy engagement to accelerate environmental solutions.

Hanoi positions itself at forefront of implementing key Party resolutions

Hanoi positions itself at forefront of implementing key Party resolutions

The three resolutions on education, healthcare reform and cultural development are closely interconnected and mutually reinforcing, all directed toward building a capital that is cultured, civilized, modern and happy.

Party Chief urges stronger state economy and cultural drive

Party Chief urges stronger state economy and cultural drive

Developing the state economy and Vietnamese culture forms the twin pillars of a unified development strategy, one strengthening material capacity, the other reinforcing cultural and social resilience.

Putting people first: Making happiness Hanoi’s measure of success

Putting people first: Making happiness Hanoi’s measure of success

A central message of the 14th National Party Congress and the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Organization (2025-2030) is that people’s happiness must be at the core of development. All policies be grounded in citizens’ legitimate rights and interests, with public satisfaction serving as the ultimate measure of success. 

The flavors of Vietnamese Tet linger around the world

The flavors of Vietnamese Tet linger around the world

From Osaka in Japan to Lorient in France, Vietnamese communities are spreading the spirit of Tet through vibrant cultural celebrations.

Vietnam pledges to enhance tax reforms after EU listing decision

Vietnam pledges to enhance tax reforms after EU listing decision

Vietnam has reaffirmed its strong commitment to meeting international standards on tax transparency and information exchange following the European Union's adding Vietnam to its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Tet at the mission: Peach blossoms bloom in Africa

Tet at the mission: Peach blossoms bloom in Africa

Under the dry winds and red dust of Abyei and Bentiu, mission compounds glow with paper blossoms and steaming banh chung, as each square rice cake carries from Vietnam to Africa a message of solidarity, compassion and enduring cultural identity.