Vietnam replies to Chinese bullying in South China Sea with military exercises

Hanoi: – China has increased tensions in the South China Sea by sending militia ships to the Philippines territorial waters. Vietnam has replied to the Chinese move by sending an anti-submarine frigate to the region. At the same time, Vietnam has criticized that the movements of Chinese ships in this region severely violate Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Nearly two weeks ago, China deployed more than 200 militia ships in the Philippine waters. The Philippines adopted an aggressive stand against this Chinese bullying and started air and marine patrolling. US warships have reached the sector in support of the Philippines stand. The tension in the region increased further after China dispatched its aircraft carrier to the region.

In this scenario, reports of Vietnam conducting war exercises in its marine region are being received as well. Quang Trung, an anti-submarine frigate of the Vietnamese navy, carried out the exercise near the Spratly Islands. A helicopter from the Vietnamese navy also participated. Vietnam has continued with the deployment of the destroyer and a helicopter in the region. A Chinese reaction is expected over the Vietnamese exercise.

Vietnam is known as the leading country from Asia to challenge China. Before this, Vietnam and China had been involved in a conflict in 1979. China had to retreat from the conflict. Reports of even Vietnam building artificial islands in the South China Sea and establishing military bases on these islands are being received. Meanwhile, China is claiming rights over the entire South China Sea. Vietnam has challenged the Chinese claims.