But analysts note that Vietnam’s installations pale in comparison to what China has built.
SINGAPORE – New images released by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies show that Vietnam is laying a runway approximately 2.4km long in the South China Sea and could build two more airstrips.
China’s islands are said to house missile systems, laser and jamming equipment as well as fighter jets – something which analysts say Vietnam, with fewer means, is still trying to play catch-up on. Vietnam established permanent maritime militias in coastal provinces in recent years to support the work of its navy. It has also provided funding for the fishing industry to upgrade and strengthen boats in case they are rammed by Chinese vessels.
This means the public had a front-row seat when the China Coast Guard recently used water cannons and other manoeuvres to block the Philippines from resupplying BRP Sierra Madre, an old warship that Manila had deliberately grounded in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal to stake its claim. Vietnam pursues cooperation with China in areas of mutual interest while simultaneously pushing back on its maritime encroachment.
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