Vietnam: New land reclamation in the Spratly Islands
– Reclamation of 20 reefs in the Spratly Islands
– Territorial dispute over Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands
We will provide you with a summary of articles published in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Spratly Islands in the South China Sea:
Vietnam is proceeding with land reclamation work in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Since December 2022, 330 acres (approximately 1.3 km2) of land has been developed.
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS):
This was revealed in a report published along with satellite photos.
Vietnam will increase its presence in the Spratly Islands, keeping in mind neighboring countries with territorial disputes such as China and the Philippines.
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCB262J30W3A121C2000000/
CSIS Analysis: Spratly Islands
As China’s activities in the South China Sea expand, Vietnam has also increased its presence.
Reclamation of reefs in Vietnam:
Vietnam claims territorial rights over 20 reefs.
Land reclamation and port development will begin in the second half of 2022.
China controls the South China Sea:
China claims ‘jurisdiction over almost the entire South China Sea.’
China has built military bases such as airstrips and radar on artificial reef islands.
Land reclamation in Vietnam: Spratly Islands
Vietnam claims territorial rights over some islands.
It has been newly discovered that Vietnam has reclaimed 20 reefs in the Spratly Islands.
Of these, Pearson Reef:
Last December, Vietnam reclaimed land near the center.
Satellite images show how the berthing port for ships has been developed.
According to CSIS, Vietnam’s total area of expansion is approximately 3.5 km2.
It is said that land reclamation has been progressing at a particularly rapid pace since the latter half of last year.
Land reclamation in China: Paracel Islands
Recently, the activities of the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia have been rapidly increasing in the Paracel Islands.
Triton Island is the closest to Vietnam among the Paracel Islands. China has advanced new development.
Triton Island in the Paracel Islands:
It is an important base for China because of its proximity to Vietnam and its intimidating presence.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231126/k10014269621000.html
How are artificial islands built, like those built by China on the South China Sea?
China Tracker | Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
the Paracel Islands and the Spratlys.：
China has 20 outposts in the Paracel Islands and 7 in the Spratlys.
It also controls Scarborough Shoal：
which it seized in 2012, via a constant coast guard presence, though it has not built any facilities on the feature.
Since 2013：
China has engaged in unprecedented dredging and artificial island-building in the Spratlys, creating 3,200 acres of new land,
along with a substantial expansion of its presence in the Paracels.