Vietnam has significantly expanded its presence in the contested Spratly Islands over the past six months, according to a report released by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI). This expansion translates to almost as much new land created in this period as was accomplished over the previous two years combined, illustrating a significant acceleration in Vietnam’s activities in the region.
AMTI, a Washington-based think tank at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, detailed that Vietnam’s recent dredging and landfill efforts cover 2,360 acres, marking nearly half the 4,650 acres expanded by China. This development points to a strategic shift in Vietnam’s presence in the disputed Spratly Islands.
The Spratly Islands, located in the South China Sea, are subject to an ongoing territorial dispute involving China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The three largest outposts in the Spratly Islands currently are Mischief, Subi, and Fiery Cross reefs, which are claimed by China. Vietnam, however, has focused its expansion on the next four largest outposts: Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Sand Cay, and Tennent Reef. These outposts have been referred to as the “newly expanded Vietnamese reefs” in AMTI’s report.
Vietnam’s activities include not only land reclamation but also the construction of new facilities. Among these developments is the construction of a harbor at the Central Reef, further strengthening Vietnam’s foothold in the region.
The Spratly Islands remain a focal point of regional tensions concerning ownership and maritime boundaries. The claims over these territories are evaluated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Although Vietnam has previously invoked UNCLOS to assert its claims, the dispute continues as a significant geographical issue among the involved countries. For further reading on this development, visit the detailed report on JURIST.