Vietnam's push for demilitarizing South China Sea doubtful

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By CGTN's Bao Jiajie, Mao Dan

Issues relating to the South China Sea are part of talks during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meetings and related sessions in Manila.

Sources close to the talks say it is doubtful that Vietnam will take the lead in acting upon its call to demilitarize the South China Sea, while at the same time increasing military staff numbers stationed on illegally-occupied islands.

According to a working draft of the ASEAN joint communique, Vietnam lobbied for members to express serious concerns over "construction" in the sea.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (3rd R) meets with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith (2nd L) on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meetings in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 6, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

But according to previous media reports, Vietnam has increased the pace of land reclamation on illegally-occupied islands and reefs, and has built a number of military facilities, including helipads.

According to reports in the Vietnamese media, Hanoi has deployed a large number of weapons and equipment in the South China Sea, including anti-aircraft guns, tanks, and armed helicopters.

The Vietnamese military has also deployed battalions on Nanwei Island and Hongxiu Island.

Reports reveal that at least five of the occupied islands or reefs can accommodate the take-off and landing of armed helicopters.

Vietnam is one of the major claimants on territory in the South China Sea. It was the first country to start construction on islands and reefs, and has deployed the largest number of military facilities there.

Sources say as the overall situation in the South China Sea improves, it is doubtful whether Vietnam means it will take the lead in demilitarizing the South China Sea.

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