Satellite pictures have shown that Vietnam’s actions of aggressively expanding land on coral reefs in the Spratly Islands. This work started being noticeable in 2022 and has intensified this year. The Spratlys are in the South China Sea, a region full of geopolitical tension.
The Spratly Islands: A Hotspot for Disputes
No single country controls the Spratlys. They lie within the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China claims a large part of the South China Sea, marked by the “nine-dash line.” Taiwan also claims some of these islands.
There are various reasons these islands are significant. Important maritime lanes, productive fishing grounds, and substantial gas and oil deposits are all accessible from them. For example, China, which controls three of the largest reefs in the Spratlys, is currently in a standoff with the Philippines over Second Thomas Shoal.
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Vietnam’s Expanding Presence
A decade ago, small changes to Vietnam’s Spratly outposts were noted. But since 2022, the pace and scale of these changes have grown rapidly. At Barque Canada Reef, sediment-pouring operations have doubled its size. It is now Vietnam’s largest outpost in the Spratlys. The northern part of this atoll has been expanded. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative suggests it might now have a runway for long-range military aircraft.
Since 2022, Namyit Island has also undergone significant modifications. Dredged out in the middle of the atoll is a new harbor. It currently occupies the second-largest spot in the archipelago of Vietnam. It lies just north of the Chinese-controlled Union Banks shoal, where China’s maritime militia is blocking Philippine forces from supplying a military detachment at Second Thomas Shoal.
Why Is Vietnam Expanding?
Vietnam’s motivations for this expansion are unclear. There is no official commented by Vietnam’s government on these activities. It frequently criticises the actions of other claimant states, viewing them as threats to its sovereignty.
Vietnam has a history of conflict with China. This includes maritime standoffs and confrontations. Vietnamese journalist Nga Pham stated, “The official narrative is that Vietnam is only making minor adjustments to support fishermen and prevent erosion.” But Vietnam is militarising its maritime features and the military is active. But compared to China, it is doing so more slowly and on a lesser scale.
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A Possible Détente with Beijing?
With China focused on pushing the Philippines out of Second Thomas Shoal, Vietnam might be using the current calm to strengthen its position in the South China Sea. This strategy might be a way to prepare for any future conflicts.
Interestingly, China has not strongly reacted to Vietnam’s recent land reclamation efforts. This silence, along with recent pro-China leadership changes in Hanoi, suggests Beijing might be hesitant to escalate tensions.
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What’s Next for the Spratlys?
Vietnam’s land reclamation is expected to continue on at least four out of six reefs in the Spratlys. The full extent of Vietnam’s ambitions remains unclear. Even though tensions with China might be easing, the Spratlys will likely stay a key area of strategic interest and dispute.
In summary, Vietnam’s expanding presence in the Spratlys adds to the ongoing regional tensions. As more land reclamation projects unfold, the South China Sea will remain a significant geopolitical hotspot.