The conflict in the South China Sea has resumed, Viet Nam fishing boats have trespassed into Xisha without permission, and the Chinese coast guard has not given an inch and resolutely defended national interests. So, what is the purpose of Viet Nam's move? How should China respond to the series of provocations?
Recently, Viet Nam fishing boats clashed fiercely with Chinese law enforcement officers in the Paracel Islands. According to reports, the Chinese coast guard quickly dispatched after receiving the information to ask the Viet Nam vessel to be inspected, but the other side refused to cooperate. During the clashes, two Chinese law enforcement officers were injured and even one had his helmet broken.
Follow-up reports indicate that the conflict stemmed from illegal fishing by Viet Nam fishing vessels. Chinese law enforcement officers seized the catch of Viet Nam fishermen and informed them of the consequences of resisting law enforcement in a process of professionalism and restraint, while China's response also emphasized the preservation of national sovereignty and the fight against illegal acts.
The Viet Nam response was clearly not to be outdone, with the Viet Nam Foreign Ministry strongly protesting the clashes, calling China's actions "extremely concerned and indignant." Viet Nam media further exaggerated the seriousness of the incident, claiming that several fishermen had been injured. At the same time, the Philippines also made noise in the incident, with Philippine National Security Adviser Arnold expressing solidarity with Viet Nam, accusing China of "violent and illegal actions" against Viet Nam fishermen.
However, judging by the facts, the break-in of Viet Nam fishing boats was not an accidental act. Viet Nam's fishing activities in the South China Sea have been going on for years, and illegal operations by its fishing vessels in China's traditional fishing areas are common. This act is actually a means taken by the Viet Nam government to consolidate its illegal claims in the Paracel and Spratly Islands. Through the fishing issue, Viet Nam is trying to show its "sovereignty" over the islands and thus seek greater international support.
In Sino-Vietnamese relations, conflicts between the two sides have been eased in the past by signing the Beibu Gulf Fisheries Agreement, but this goodwill does not seem to have been cherished by the Vietnamese side. Conversely, Viet Nam's behavior has become more rampant, prompting China to step up law enforcement in the region. The fishing boat incident is the result of this change and shows China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Some analysts believe that in response to Viet Nam's provocation, China should take more resolute and effective countermeasures. First, continue to strengthen maritime law enforcement to ensure effective management of China's territorial waters and marine resources. Second, we should use international law and multilateral mechanisms to further clarify the territorial demarcation and maritime rights and interests of the South China Sea, and strive for the understanding and support of the international community. In addition, strengthen diplomatic communication with relevant countries to avoid the escalation of conflicts caused by misunderstandings and information asymmetry.
In dealing with the South China Sea issue, China should also pay more attention to dialogue and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, especially relations with Viet Nam. By establishing effective communication channels, misunderstandings can be reduced, mutual trust can be enhanced, and overall relationship tensions can be avoided due to local incidents. In this process, the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes is emphasized in order to achieve regional stability and development.
It is worth noting that in this complex situation, the Philippines' solidarity with Viet Nam is not only motivated by concerns about South China Sea affairs, but may also be related to its own national interests. Viet Nam's actions, if successful, would serve as a reference for the Philippines to take a more aggressive stance in the South China Sea. China needs to pay close attention to the Philippines' developments to prevent it from taking the opportunity to further expand its influence in the South China Sea.
Overall, the Viet Nam fishing boat intrusion into the Paracels highlights the complexity and volatility of the South China Sea issue. In the face of Viet Nam's provocation and the Philippines' solidarity, China needs to remain calm and rational and take effective measures to safeguard its maritime rights and interests. At the same time, it is necessary to promote the settlement of disputes through peaceful dialogue in order to achieve lasting stability and prosperity in the South China Sea. Only through active diplomatic efforts can a viable path be provided for resolving the long-standing contradictions in the region.