China and Vietnam tread softly in South China Sea over latest dispute
- Both sides appear to have learned from their deadly confrontation in 2014
- Beijing and Hanoi are maintaining a low profile over the issue
China and Vietnam have been handling their recent South China Sea stand-off in an unusually restrained manner, leading observers to conclude both nations have learned from their deadly crisis of five years ago.
The latest confrontation began two weeks ago when a Chinese geological survey ship began conducting a seismic survey near the Vietnamese-controlled – and China-claimed – Vanguard Reef, and has resulted in coastguard vessels from the two countries patrolling the area.
But, unlike a similar dispute in 2014, both governments have maintained a low profile over the issue.
The 2014 incident began with a Chinese oil rig operating in disputed waters and ended with accusations from both sides of vessel ramming, as well as mass anti-China protests across Vietnam.
On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China hoped Vietnam would respect China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over the contested waters, and “not take actions that could complicate the situation”.
