Beijing
(AsiaNews / Agencies) - A fleet of 30 Chinese vessels have arrived at the
Spratlys, is increasing tensions between the nations who claim sovereignty over
the islands of the South China Sea.
The fleet arrived yesterday afternoon at Yongshu
from Hainan. It includes a vessel for supplies and security. According to Xinhua news agency it is the largest
fleet to have ever reached the Spratlys.
The archipelago in the South China Sea, potentially rich in undersea oil
fields, is disputed by China,
Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan,
Philippines and Malaysia and
attempts to take possession of one or another of the islands have long been at
the centre of contention between the neighbouring countries. Philippines and Vietnam
accuse Beijing of being overly aggressive in
claiming sovereignty over the archipelago (see: 04/07/2012 As
China's foreign policy hardens, it is Beijing versus all). In recent weeks
there have been clashes between Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese vessels.
Manila and Hanoi
are also seeking allies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian countries) to counter
China.
In recent days, however, at the organization's summit in Cambodia, it was not possible to draft a motion
against Beijing because of opposition from Cambodia, which is economically dependent on China (see: The 14/07/2012 South
China Sea dispute leaves ASEAN speechless). According to analysts, the
arrival of the vast Chinese fleet yesterday appears to be Beijing's response to criticisms raised in
the ASEAN summit.
The hegemonic ambitions of China
also worry that the United States who have increased their naval presence in
the Pacific.