Chinese Survey Ship Inches Closer To Vietnam Coastline

The Chinese vessel continued to survey Vietnam’s EEZ on Saturday under escort from at least four ships. Photo: Weibo

Reuters: Chinese ship inches closer to Vietnam coastline amid South China Sea tensions

HANOI (Reuters) - A Chinese survey vessel on Saturday extended its activities to an area closer to Vietnam’s coastline, ship tracking data showed, after the United States and Australia expressed concern about China’s actions in the disputed waterways.

The Haiyang Dizhi 8 vessel first entered Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) early last month where it began a weeks-long seismic survey, triggering a tense standoff between military and coastguard vessels from Vietnam and China.

The Chinese vessel continued to survey Vietnam’s EEZ on Saturday under escort from at least four ships and was around 102 kilometers (63 miles) southeast of Vietnam’s Phu Quy island and 185 kilometers (115 miles) from the beaches of the southern city of Phan Thiet, according to data from Marine Traffic, a website that tracks vessel movements.

The Chinese vessel group was followed by at least two Vietnamese naval vessels, according to the data.

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WNU editor: There is a lot at stake in this dispute .... China, Vietnam Spar on High Seas Over $2.5 Trillion in Energy (Bloomberg). Here are some scenarios on what may happen next .... China-Vietnam Maritime Standoff: 3 Scenarios for the Next Stage (VOA).

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