Vietnam accelerates South China Sea land reclamation to counter Beijing

WEB DESK: Vietnam has significantly ramped up its land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, adding more than two square kilometres of land to its outposts over the past year.

According to a report by the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), Hanoi has created approximately 534 acres (2.16 sq km) of new territory across the Spratly Islands, according to SCMP.

This surge brings Vietnam’s total reclaimed area to roughly 2,771 acres, as the nation seeks to fortify its presence in one of the world’s most contested waterways.

A strategic race for regional influence

The acceleration in dredging and landfill activities underscores a deepening “arms race” of civil engineering between Hanoi and Beijing.

For decades, the South China Sea has been a flashpoint for territorial disputes involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

While Vietnam appeared to be narrowing the gap with China in early 2023, the AMTI report suggests that Beijing has since extended its lead, maintaining a vast network of artificial islands equipped with military-grade runways and radar installations.

Reinforcing claims through infrastructure

The recent expansion is not merely about size; it represents a strategic shift in how Vietnam manages its maritime claims.

By enlarging its outposts, Hanoi is better positioned to station personnel, improve surveillance, and protect its fishing and energy interests.

However, this “island building” continues to draw scrutiny from international observers who fear that the increased militarisation of the Spratlys could heighten the risk of accidental skirmishes or further destabilise regional security in the Indo-Pacific.