CaliToday (05/12/2025): Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement agencies have raised their vigilance levels in response to the detection of a large formation of foreign vessels identified as Chinese concentrating in waters adjacent to Vietnam’s sovereignty.
The move comes amidst reports of heightened naval activity across East Asia, prompting a firm response from Hanoi regarding its commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and maritime rights.
1. 24/7 Surveillance: "We Know They Are There"
Vietnamese authorities confirmed on Friday afternoon that they are "closely tracking" the movements of the fleet.
The Composition: While official statements often refer to them diplomatically as "strange vessels," intelligence suggests the group is a mix of maritime militia boats, Coast Guard cutters, and fishing vessels acting in coordination.
The Tactic: Security experts describe this as a "Grey Zone" tactic—using overwhelming numbers of non-military (or semi-military) ships to dominate a sea area without firing a shot, thereby testing the patience and reaction of neighboring countries.
2. Vietnam’s Stance: "Resolute and Persistent"
In response to the situation, representatives from Vietnam’s competent authorities reiterated the nation’s unyielding stance.
Sovereignty First: Vietnam asserts undeniable sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, as well as its legal rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf.
The Message: Authorities emphasized that Vietnam is determined to protect its lawful interests through "peaceful measures" consistent with international law, specifically the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Diplomatic Warning: A spokesperson indicated that any activity by foreign vessels in Vietnamese waters without permission is a violation of sovereignty and "complicates the situation," urging all parties to maintain regional stability.
3. On the Water: The "Bamboo" Defense
While the diplomatic language is careful, action on the water is decisive.
Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG): Patrol ships and Fisheries Surveillance vessels have been deployed to shadow the foreign fleet. Their mission is to document violations, assert presence, and prevent any encroachment into vital oil and gas blocks or fishing grounds.
Restraint: Despite the numerical pressure, Vietnamese forces are maintaining "strategic restraint" to avoid falling into provocation traps, while remaining ready to handle "bad situations" if necessary.
4. Regional Context
This incident is not isolated. It coincides with reports of over 100 Chinese vessels active across the broader region (from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea). For Vietnam, this serves as a reminder that maritime security remains the country's top defense priority in 2025.
Conclusion: As the sun sets over the East Sea today, the message from Hanoi is clear: Vietnam monitors silently but stands firmly. The waters may be crowded, but the resolve to defend every nautical mile of sovereignty remains unshaken.