CHINESE CLAIMS TO SOUTH CHINA SEA THREATEN VIETNAM'S HISTORIC TERRITORIES

Vietnamese protest China's heavy-handed actions in the South China Sea.

Again, the President of the Chinese National Institute for South China Studies, has made what appear to official statement sof Chinese foreign policy that directly threaten Vietnam's island territories in the region. Wu Shicun, who also holds the strange title of Director general of Hainan Province's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has stated that China has sovereignty over 80% of the islands, reefs and submerged land of the South China Sea, and the surrounding waters. Wu also claimed the right to control maritime traffic through the area, which is one of the world's busiest trade corridors.

China's research facility and propaganda arm for South China Sea expansion

These extraordinary territorial claims run up against Vietnam's long historic and legal claim to the Spratley and Paracel Islands. In truth and in fact, Vietnam has far more settlements, research facilities, and other installations, in the South China Sea than any other country; its seamen and fishing vessels have been in the area for many centuries, and its claim is superior to that of China.

A Chinese installation in the South China Sea; no island or land mass can be seen

The impending militarisation of the region by the Peoples Liberation Army will only increase tension, and potentially raise country risk for all countries whose national territories border the South China Sea. Any military incidents could threaten the safety and security of international trade in Southeast Asia.