Conference on maritime dispute in Southeast Asian Sea

I’m presently in Quang Ngai province, central Viet Nam, participating in a conference concerning Viet Nam’s sovereignty claims in the ‘East Sea’ (a.k.a. Southeast Asia Sea, and to some South China Sea). Clearly, the balance of available evidence suggests Viet Nam’s claims have a superior evidential basis of support. The fact, however, is that mainland has physical control over the islands and so perhaps the only step available to Viet Nam is to demonstrate to the world that in fact these islands are being occupied by an expansionary power.

To call China’s behavior imperialist may have a sensationalist ring to it, which is not intended. But how else can we describe its attempts to impose its control over 80 percent of the Southeast Asian Sea? Will offer some thoughts and reflections on the conference soon. Today will travel to Ly Son Island, home to many of the fisherman most adversely affected by Beijing’s expansionary tendencies…

 

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