Chinese ship hits Vietnamese fishing boat, tension soars between Hanoi and Beijing
Hanoi (AsiaNews /
Agencies) - Tensions are soaring between Hanoi and Beijing in the South China
Sea, the scene of a protracted conflict over maritime borders for the
exploitation of oil and natural gas contained in the seabed. According
to the Vietnamese government a Chinese boat opened fire on a fishing vessel,
causing a serious fire in the bridge. The
clash took place on March 20 last (although the news emerged only at this
time), in a portion of the sea off the Paracel Islands contested by the two
countries, the Hanoi Foreign Ministry speaks of a "very serious" incident
and summoned the
Chinese ambassador for a formal protest.
Luong
Thanh Nghi, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman, confirms the "fierce
protest" over the incident, he called on China "to promote thorough
investigations" and "adequately compensate the Vietnamese fishermen
for their losses." No
comments, however from Beijing which - at the moment - has no "official"
position on the matter.
In
the past there have been clashes between China and maritime vessels of other
nations bordering the disputed waters, particularly Vietnam and the
Philippines. At
the root of the violence, are accusations of "illegal fishing" or
violations of the moratorium on fishing unilaterally "set" by Beijing
to protect its interests in the area.
The
news of the latest maritime accident has spread all over Vietnam, further
fueling resentment against the termed "Chinese imperialism." On
March 15 - the anniversary of the battle for the Spratly during which 64
Vietnamese soldiers were killed - there
was a demonstration in the center of Hanoi, launched by nationalist groups and activist
movements (pictured).
Among
all the nations in the Asia-Pacific region involved in the dispute, China has
the most extensive claims in the South China Sea. The Spratly and Paracel
Islands are uninhabited but rich in energy and raw materials. Controlling them
would provide a major strategic advantage in terms of trade and access to oil
and natural gas. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are
opposed to China's expansionism, and can rely on the support of the United
States, which has major strategic interests in the area. The Philippines and Japan in the first place,
but also Vietnam could become valuable allies in a scenario of open conflict in
the Asia-Pacific region, where in recent months there have been a number of
"incidents" between ships - military and fishing boats - flying different
flags.
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