Vietnam and Philippines Protest Against Chinese Aggression in South China Sea
According to Vietnamese state media, 40 individuals from two vessels assaulted and injured 10 fishermen using iron pipes.
On October 2, the Vietnamese government reported that Chinese law enforcement officers had attacked and confiscated fishing equipment from Vietnamese fishermen operating near the Paracel Islands on September 29.
Following this incident, Vietnam lodged a protest with the Chinese government, and on October 4, the Philippine government condemned the assault on Vietnamese fishermen by Chinese enforcers.
The Paracel Islands, situated equidistant from Vietnam and Hainan, China, are claimed by both nations. The Chinese Communist Party asserts territorial rights over the entire South China Sea, a claim rejected by the international Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.
“Vietnam is extremely concerned, indignant, and firmly protests the violent treatment inflicted by Chinese law enforcement forces on Vietnamese fishermen and boats in the Hoang Sa archipelago of Vietnam,” stated foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.
The government confirmed that several fishermen were injured in the attack, reporting that 40 individuals from two vessels beat and injured 10 fishermen using iron pipes.
Vietnam urged Beijing to investigate the incident and respect Vietnam’s sovereignty. In response, the Chinese government claimed that Vietnamese ships were fishing illegally without permission, prompting authorities to intervene. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson described the incident as “professional and restrained” with no injuries observed.
Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano labeled the incident as an “egregious act” on Friday.
The Philippine Coast Guard has encountered several tense situations with Chinese vessels in recent weeks around the Escoda Shoal and Sabina Shoal.
Vietnam, under new leader To Lam, is working to maintain alliances with various countries. To’s first foreign visit as Vietnam’s leader was to meet with CCP leader Xi Jinping in China, following Vietnam’s decision to upgrade diplomatic ties with the United States.
Last month, Vietnam participated in a joint coast guard drill with the Philippines to enhance cooperation and law enforcement capabilities at sea, signaling concerns about regional stability.
Lily Zhou contributed to this report.
