China Deploys Research Ship in a Disputed Vietnam’s EEZ Near Russian Gas Block

Beijing’s Escalatory Actions in the South China Sea

China has once again challenged Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by deploying a research ship and five escort vessels to an area in the energy-rich South China Sea where a Russian state firm operates a gas block with Vietnam. This move marks China’s latest escalatory step in the region, following the earlier deployment of the research vessel accompanied by Chinese coast guard ships and other vessels. The research ship, named Xiang Yang Hong 10, crossed into the gas block known as 04-03, which is jointly operated by Russian-owned Zarubezhneft and PetroVietnam.

Vietnam’s Response and China’s Claims

Vietnam had called on the Chinese vessel to leave the area near the Spratly Islands after its initial entry into the region on May 7. China has been asserting its sovereignty over the entire South China Sea and adopting an increasingly aggressive posture towards neighboring nations with jurisdictional rights in the area, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In response to Vietnam’s demands, Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning claimed that relevant Chinese ships were carrying out normal activities within China’s jurisdiction, asserting China’s sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and adjacent waters.

(Read Also: China’s Research Vessel Enters Gas Block Operated by Russian and Vietnamese Firms in the South China Sea)

Dispute Over Exclusive Economic Zones

Vietnam issued a rare public statement urging the Chinese vessels to depart after they crossed block 129, also operated by Vietgazprom. While international ships are allowed to traverse other nations’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) as they are not direct territories of specific sovereigns, nations have jurisdictional rights over these areas under international law, granting them special rights regarding exploration, marine resource utilization, and energy production. China’s actions, however, demonstrate a disregard for Vietnam’s EEZ and have raised concerns.

(Read Also: Chinese Research Ships Defy Vietnam’s Call to Depart Near Russian-Operated Gas Fields in South China Sea)

Worrying Escalation and Regional Implications

Experts view China’s blatant disregard for Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone as the most significant incursion in the South China Sea region since 2019. Ray Powell, who leads Stanford University’s Project Myoushu on the South China Sea, describes it as a “worrying escalation.” China’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed waters raises tensions with neighboring countries and poses potential challenges to regional stability and maritime security.

(Read Also: Putin Accuses Ukraine of Profiting from Russian Gas Transit: Addressing Energy and Economic Cooperation at the Eurasian Economic Forum)