Vietnam quiet, firm and resilient in the South China Sea

While media attention focuses on China and the Philippines’ heated dispute, Vietnam is quietly building up its sovereign claims.

The South China Sea has long been a cauldron of tension and ambition, with overlapping claims from several nations converging in the resource-rich and strategically vital waterway. At the heart of the geopolitical theater is the fraught and historically turbulent relationship between Vietnam and China.

Once allies during the Cold War, the two nations now find themselves on opposing sides of an escalating territorial dispute. Their history of distrust and warfare is evident in the competing narratives and power plays that define their rivalry in the contested waters.

China, with its sweeping “nine-dash line” claim, has aggressively pursued its goal of turning the South China Sea into what many see as a “Chinese lake.”

Through massive land reclamation projects and the construction of artificial islands equipped with runways, missile systems and radar facilities, Beijing has transformed formerly uninhabitable reefs into formidable military outposts.

These efforts, combined with frequent naval patrols and diplomatic strong-arming, underscore China’s determination to assert dominance over the region.

Vietnam, however, refuses to back down. While Beijing’s actions garner widespread media attention, often framing the South China Sea dispute as a battle between China and the United States or China and the Philippines, Vietnam is quietly but firmly asserting its sovereignty.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Spratly Islands, where Hanoi has ramped up its military presence in direct defiance of China’s expansive claims.

Vietnam’s strategy is multi-faceted. On one hand, it involves the construction and modernization of military bases on islands and reefs under its control.

By mid-2024, Vietnam had made significant strides in land reclamation efforts in the Spratly Islands, building up about half as much land as China had during its construction of seven military bases between 2013 and 2016. This marked acceleration underscores Hanoi’s determination to bolster its strategic position in the South China Sea.

Hanoi is not only upgrading its airstrips but also fortifying its outposts with advanced weaponry and defensive structures designed to withstand potential attacks.

On the other hand, Vietnam is significantly enhancing its surveillance capabilities by deploying radar systems and maritime patrols to monitor activity in its claimed waters. These moves signal a calculated response to China’s militarization, demonstrating Vietnam’s resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity.

This assertiveness is rooted in Vietnam’s historical experience. Having endured centuries of Chinese invasions and domination, Vietnam views its sovereignty with a fierce sense of pride.

The South China Sea dispute, therefore, is not just about territorial boundaries or access to fisheries and undersea resources; it is a matter of national identity and historical vindication.

What makes Vietnam’s position particularly compelling is the David-versus-Goliath nature of the standoff.

Despite lacking the economic and military clout of its northern neighbor, Vietnam has leveraged its strategic location, robust diplomatic ties and growing defense partnerships to punch above its weight.

Countries such as the United States, Japan and India have recognized Vietnam’s pivotal role in counterbalancing China’s influence in Southeast Asia. This has led to increased military cooperation and arms deals that bolster Hanoi’s defense capabilities.

Vietnam’s growing frustration with ASEAN’s repeated delays and lack of unity in establishing a binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea has propelled Hanoi to chart its own course in addressing China’s aggressive maritime expansion.

While Vietnam remains committed to ASEAN as a cornerstone of regional diplomacy, the bloc’s inability to present a unified front has exposed its limitations in confronting a dominant and assertive power like China.

This has led Vietnam to adopt a dual-pronged strategy: pursuing independent actions to safeguard its sovereignty while continuing to advocate for regional cooperation.

Hanoi has significantly bolstered its military and strategic presence in contested areas, such as the Spratly and Paracel Islands, by constructing and upgrading bases, deploying advanced surveillance systems, and expanding its naval and air defense capabilities.

It has also deepened partnerships with global powers, including the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, to counterbalance China’s influence and access advanced defense technologies. These alliances not only enhance Vietnam’s military readiness but also demonstrate its strategic importance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

At its core, Vietnam’s approach reflects a pragmatic recalibration of its priorities, balancing regional multilateralism with self-reliance. This strategy draws from its historical resilience against larger adversaries, showcasing its determination to protect its sovereignty and resist unilateral actions.

Vietnam’s assertiveness sends a clear message: it will not remain a passive observer while Beijing seeks to reshape the South China Sea in its favor.

By taking decisive measures, Hanoi is not only defending its territorial integrity but also reinforcing its position as a key actor in the region’s geopolitical dynamics, urging others to recognize that collective security in Southeast Asia hinges on both solidarity and individual resolve.

However, Vietnam’s actions are not without risk. Its strategic push in the Spratlys could provoke further escalation with China, whose military is far larger and more sophisticated than Vietnam’s.

The region’s future, therefore, hinges on the delicate balance of power between local actors like Vietnam and global players like the US which have vested interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and preventing unilateral control by any one nation.

In this complex geopolitical puzzle, Vietnam’s resilience stands out. By asserting its sovereignty in the South China Sea, Hanoi is not only defending its territorial claims but also sending a powerful message about the importance of standing up to aggression, no matter the odds.

Whether this approach will lead to a peaceful resolution or further conflict remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Vietnam is determined to chart its own course in one of the world’s most contested maritime regions.

By James Borton – Asia Times – December 9, 2024