South China Sea: A Potential New Flashpoint
It has been alleged that China has crossed the red-line in South China Sea and violated international law by encroaching upon Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The allegation is that a Chinese survey ship reached close to 60 nautical miles, the closest point to Vietnam coast. Thus, creating a stand-off and threatening economic security of Vietnam, a country suffering from a huge asymmetry with China. The Chinese vessel is further alleged to have continued to survey Vietnam’s EEZ under escort from at least four ships and was around 102 kms. South-east of Vietnam’s Phu Quy Island and 185 kms. from the beaches of the southern Vietnamese city of Phan Thiet, according to reports. A country’s EEZ typically extends up to 200 nautical miles (370 kms or 230 miles) from its coastline, providing sovereign rights to exploit any natural resources within that area, according to international convention. Countries having stakes in peace and stability in the South China Sea should ur...