HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — This year, Vietnam has intensified its efforts to expand its territory in the South China Sea by starting construction on eight new sites within the Spratly Islands archipelago. The region, which consists of numerous small reefs and rocks, some of which are submerged, has seen significant transformation into militarized artificial islands, mainly by China and Vietnam.
Experts interpret Vietnam’s construction activities as a protective measure in response to China’s aggressive fortification of its bases in the region, particularly since 2013. The South China Sea is not only rich in resources but is also a crucial maritime route where trillions of dollars in global trade transit annually. The area, spanning approximately 1.4 million square miles, is subject to overlapping territorial claims by six nations, though China asserts the largest presence and claims the majority of the sea.
The Vietnamese initiative to create artificial islands began in earnest in 2021. Initially, Vietnam had enhanced 11 islands, but now all 21 features occupied by Vietnam in the Spratlys have been expanded. As of March, Vietnam had constructed about 70% as much artificial land in the Spratlys as China, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative released in August. This development suggests that Vietnam might soon exceed the scale of China’s island-building efforts.
Vietnam’s government has not officially commented on the matter. However, Alexander Vuving, a professor at Honolulu’s Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, emphasized the critical importance of the South China Sea for Vietnam, noting its significance for the nation’s economy, security, and national identity. He highlighted that 90% of Vietnam’s exports pass through these waters.
Vuving also pointed out the historical strategic importance of the sea for Vietnam, recalling past foreign invasions via maritime routes and the current perceived threats from China.
Militarization of the Islands
Recent satellite imagery analyzed by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) reveals that Vietnam is converting five of its claimed territories, which previously only housed minor concrete structures, into full-fledged military bases. The upgraded features – Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef, and Petleys Reef – now include munitions storage facilities secured by robust walls. Additionally, the militarization includes the development of ports, harbors, and a significant 8,000-foot runway on Barque Canada Reef.
Gregory Poling, director of AMTI, noted that while Vietnam’s actions might symbolically match Beijing’s efforts, Vietnam remains militarily inferior at sea. He stressed that Vietnam’s activities are less aggressive and environmentally damaging compared to China’s, and highlighted that Vietnam has not used its military presence on these islands for aggressive purposes against other claimants, unlike daily occurrences by China.
China’s activities in the region include aggressive maneuvers such as using its maritime militia and coast guard to harass foreign vessels and enforcing presence in other nations’ exclusive economic zones. Its largest bases in the Spratlys are equipped with advanced military hardware, including missile systems, electronic warfare equipment, and underground facilities, capable of hosting fighter jets.
Despite ongoing construction, Vietnam aims to enhance its ability to deploy its coast guard and aircraft on these islands and to boost its intelligence capabilities, as indicated by ongoing activities reported by the Straits Times, which described continuous operations on South Reef where soldiers are encouraged to cultivate food sources like chickens and vegetables.
Nguyen The Phuong, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New South Wales with a focus on Vietnam’s military strategy, described Vietnam’s stance as defensive, aimed at better securing the islands it controls and preparing for potential conflicts.
Geopolitical Implications
Vietnam has maintained discretion in its island-building initiatives, careful not to provoke China or appear as engaging in similar behaviors as Beijing, according to Ray Powell, director of the maritime transparency initiative SeaLight at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University. Powell, who was the U.S. air attaché to Vietnam when China began its island constructions in 2013, noted that the U.S. initially tried to discourage Vietnam from emulating China. However, he speculated that the U.S. position might have evolved, considering the strategic benefits of Vietnam’s efforts in potentially deterring Chinese aggression in the future.
The Vietnamese navy had been keen on starting its island-building projects as early as 2013, but it took until 2021 to gather the necessary funds, reach internal consensus, and acquire the required dredging technology. Since initiating the constructions, Beijing’s response has been relatively subdued, though incidents of Chinese vessels hindering Vietnamese construction efforts have been reported.
Local media coverage of Chinese patrols near Vietnamese constructions is rare, reflecting Vietnam’s low-profile diplomatic approach. However, past incidents, such as the obstruction of a Vietnamese navy supply ship by a Chinese vessel, have been documented.
Philippine Focus, Hanoi’s Timing
Analysts believe that China’s current focus on the Philippines provides a strategic window for Vietnam to expand its land. Powell mentioned that Vietnam also had to wait for the right moment, which has been provided by the current geopolitical dynamics, including the Philippines’ alliance with the United States. Poling suggested that while the Philippine actions might be viewed skeptically by China, it is becoming increasingly difficult for China to ignore Vietnam’s near-completion of its island-building projects.
Vuving expressed optimism that Vietnam’s efforts are viewed by many countries as a necessary counterbalance to China’s ambitions in the South China Sea. He described China’s construction of extensive military facilities, including large runways and harbors on its artificial islands, as a strategic move to dominate the region. In contrast, Vietnam’s similar developments could help restore some balance in the area.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
