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Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Vietnam Intercepts China Research Ship Near Coast
Vietnam recently deployed a ship to intercept a Chinese survey vessel operating off its east coast, according to ship tracking data. The Chinese vessel spent much of the second half of June within Vietnam's maritime zone, in what Hanoi says is a violation of its sovereignty. Vietnam is one of several countries in the region with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, through which as much as one-third of global shipping passes each year. Beijing's sovereignty claims, which extend across most of the strategic waterway, have been a persistent source of tension with Vietnam and other countries in the region, as have Chinese coast guard, paramilitary, and research activities in the maritime zones of China's neighbors. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Vietnam by email with a request for comment. Open-source data from Global Fishing Watch's ship-tracking platform shows that the Bei Diao 996, a twin-hulled research vessel, departed China's southernmost province of Hainan on June 10. From that point until July 4, the ship remained within or just outside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)-an area extending 230 miles from the country's coastline, where foreign fishing and survey activities are prohibited under maritime law without Vietnam's permission. For much of this period, the vessel conducted what appeared to be a hydrographic survey, repeatedly crossing into the EEZ in a "lawnmower pattern" commonly seen in seafloor mapping. On June 19, the Vietnamese fisheries vessel Kiem Ngu 471 can be seen departing from the coast and making a beeline for Bei Diao 996. The vessel spent the rest of June shadowing the Chinese ship, only leaving the area last week after Bei Diao 996 set a course back toward Hainan last week. "Vietnam's sustained response demonstrates its concern over China's intrusive survey tactics," said Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight, who flagged the ship tracks on X (formerly Twitter). Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang pointed out during a press conference Thursday that foreign research and survey operations conducted within the country's EEZ are "violations of its sovereignty and jurisdiction" under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At nearly 330 feet long and displacing 7,384 tons, Bei Diao 996 is outfitted to test deep-sea equipment, according to the state-owned China Classification Society. Analysts have previously flagged Chinese research vessels engaging in suspicious activities and warned they may be gathering intelligence-such as information on undersea cables or nearby military assets-that could strengthen China's strategic position in the region. Bei Diao 996's movements come against a backdrop of maritime friction between China and Vietnam. Hanoi bristled earlier this year after Beijing again announced an annual fishing ban covering waters within the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, and several other neighbors. Vietnam has also protested China's move in 2024 and again this year to unilaterally introduce new territorial baselines in the Gulf of Tonkin in a bid to redefine its jurisdictional boundaries. Jun Kajee, lecturer at Southern Utah University and a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, wrote in a report published by SeaLight last month: "Routine Chinese survey operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait are no longer isolated events-they have become a defining feature of the region's maritime landscape. "These missions, often met with diplomatic protests from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, consistently raise tensions and test the resolve of neighboring states to defend their own maritime claims." China has yet to publicly respond to Vietnam's protest. Chinese maritime activities, including surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are likely to remain a point of friction in the South China Sea. Related Articles Map Shows 'Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone' Backed by Russia and ChinaUS Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China SeaThe Limits of the New Anti-Western Axis | OpinionChina Military Uses Laser on US Ally's Aircraft: What to Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Vietnam Intercepts China Research Ship Near Coast
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vietnam recently deployed a ship to intercept a Chinese survey vessel operating off its east coast, according to ship tracking data. The Chinese vessel spent much of the second half of June within Vietnam's maritime zone, in what Hanoi says is a violation of its sovereignty. Why It Matters Vietnam is one of several countries in the region with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, through which as much as one-third of global shipping passes each year. Beijing's sovereignty claims, which extend across most of the strategic waterway, have been a persistent source of tension with Vietnam and other countries in the region, as have Chinese coast guard, paramilitary, and research activities in the maritime zones of China's neighbors. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Vietnam by email with a request for comment. What To Know Open-source data from Global Fishing Watch's ship-tracking platform shows that the Bei Diao 996, a twin-hulled research vessel, departed China's southernmost province of Hainan on June 10. From that point until July 4, the ship remained within or just outside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—an area extending 230 miles from the country's coastline, where foreign fishing and survey activities are prohibited under maritime law without Vietnam's permission. For much of this period, the vessel conducted what appeared to be a hydrographic survey, repeatedly crossing into the EEZ in a "lawnmower pattern" commonly seen in seafloor mapping. This undated photo shows the Bei Diao 996, a catamaran-type research vessel, moored at a port. This undated photo shows the Bei Diao 996, a catamaran-type research vessel, moored at a port. China Classification Society On June 19, the Vietnamese fisheries vessel Kiem Ngu 471 can be seen departing from the coast and making a beeline for Bei Diao 996. The vessel spent the rest of June shadowing the Chinese ship, only leaving the area last week after Bei Diao 996 set a course back toward Hainan last week. "Vietnam's sustained response demonstrates its concern over China's intrusive survey tactics," said Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight, who flagged the ship tracks on X (formerly Twitter). Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang pointed out during a press conference Thursday that foreign research and survey operations conducted within the country's EEZ are "violations of its sovereignty and jurisdiction" under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At nearly 330 feet long and displacing 7,384 tons, Bei Diao 996 is outfitted to test deep-sea equipment, according to the state-owned China Classification Society. Analysts have previously flagged Chinese research vessels engaging in suspicious activities and warned they may be gathering intelligence—such as information on undersea cables or nearby military assets—that could strengthen China's strategic position in the region. Bei Diao 996's movements come against a backdrop of maritime friction between China and Vietnam. Hanoi bristled earlier this year after Beijing again announced an annual fishing ban covering waters within the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, and several other neighbors. Vietnam has also protested China's move in 2024 and again this year to unilaterally introduce new territorial baselines in the Gulf of Tonkin in a bid to redefine its jurisdictional boundaries. What People Have Said Jun Kajee, lecturer at Southern Utah University and a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, wrote in a report published by SeaLight last month: "Routine Chinese survey operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait are no longer isolated events—they have become a defining feature of the region's maritime landscape. "These missions, often met with diplomatic protests from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, consistently raise tensions and test the resolve of neighboring states to defend their own maritime claims." What's Next China has yet to publicly respond to Vietnam's protest. Chinese maritime activities, including surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are likely to remain a point of friction in the South China Sea.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
78 Vietnamese citizens safely evacuated from Israel, Iran
Israeli emergency responders work at the site of a damaged building following an Iranian missile strike in Beersheba in southern Israel. - Photo: AFP/VNA HANOI: The situation of the Vietnamese community in Israel and Iran remains stable, and no casualties have been recorded as tension between the two Middle Eastern countries wound down following a ceasefire, according to the latest updates. Foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told reporters this on Thursday (July 3) in response to questions about efforts to protect citizens in these countries. "Amid new developments related to the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant authorities within the country continue to provide guidance for Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Israel and Iran, to maintain hotlines for Citizen Protection and to report back to the foreign ministry and all relevant authorities in the country on emerging issues," the spokesperson said at the press briefing in Hanoi. The missions are also being told to continue working closely with authorities in their respective countries as well as nearby Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad, all relevant authorities and other diplomatic missions in the field to closely monitor and stand ready to provide any measure to secure safety for Vietnamese citizens and diplomatic missions in emergency situations. The foreign ministry urged Vietnamese citizens who are living, studying or working in Israel and Iran to continue to adhere to principles, regulations and guidance from local authorities on safety and security, as well as to maintain close and regular contact with diplomatic missions in their countries. In the very first phase of the conflict, implementing the guiding principles of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassies of Vietnam in Israel and Iran worked closely with relevant local authorities as well as diplomatic missions of Việt Nam in Russia and Egypt to provide emergency evacuation for 78 Vietnamese citizens to leave Israel and Iran in a safe manner, the spokesperson noted. Of these evacuated citizens, 63 have already returned to Vietnam. During these challenging times, Vietnam's missions in Israel and Iran will continue to maintain regular communication with Vietnamese citizens in their respective countries so that they can provide timely support to these citizens, including via the hotlines. - Vietnam News/ANN
NHK
03-07-2025
- Business
- NHK
Vietnam finalizing trade deal with Washington
Vietnam is finalizing a trade deal with the US. This comes days before a pause on what US President Donald Trump calls "reciprocal tariffs" will expire. Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson gave an update at a news conference on the status of the talks. Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson, Pham Thu Hang, said that negotiation teams from Vietnam and the US are working together to exchange ideas and specify discussions between the leaders of the two countries. Trump said on social media Wednesday that all Vietnamese goods will face a 20 percent levy, which is much lower than a total of 46 percent the country faced in April. But it's unclear if the earlier 10 percent global tariff is included in the 20 percent. He also warned he'll tax goods from other countries transited through Vietnam at 40 percent. US media report the move is aimed at cracking down on Chinese products being routed through the country. Trump also said Vietnam has agreed to give the US "total access" to its markets and lower tariffs on American goods. Thailand is also rushing to negotiate a deal with the Trump administration before the July 9 deadline. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is in Washington and is scheduled to meet with the US trade representative on Thursday. Thailand was slapped with a total of 36 percent tariffs. But it has asked the US to review the rate by proposing to expand imports of energy resources and agricultural products.
NHK
20-06-2025
- Business
- NHK
Vietnam joins BRICS as partner country
Vietnam has been officially admitted as the 10th partner country of the BRICS group of emerging economies. While partners lack decision-making power, they can take part in the BRICS Leaders' Summit. Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson, Pham Thu Hang, said in a press conference on Thursday that the country is "ready to coordinate and connect the cooperation programs of the BRICS group with relevant multilateral mechanisms, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, as well as in the world." She also said the country is willing to work with other members in areas such as trade and investment. BRICS was originally made up of the five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It has since expanded to 11 members, including Middle Eastern nations, such as Iran and Egypt. Some Southeast Asian countries, which are strengthening economic ties with China, have also shown interest in joining the bloc. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened BRICS members that try to use their own currency for financial transactions. He says these nations could face 100 percent tariffs if they move away from the US dollar.
