Tensions surge in S China Sea over energy resources
Iran Press TV
Wed May 7, 2014 1:4PM GMT
Tensions have flared up in the South China Sea among China, Vietnam and the Philippines over the energy-rich waters claimed by six nations.
On Wednesday, Vietnam claimed that Chinese ships protecting a deep-water drilling rig in the disputed waters had used water cannon to attack its patrol vessels.
Hanoi also said Chinese ships rammed Vietnamese vessels, causing injuries.
'On May 4, Chinese ships intentionally rammed two Vietnamese Sea Guard vessels,' said Tran Duy Hai, a Foreign Ministry official and deputy head of Vietnam's National Border Committee, adding, 'Chinese ships, with air support, sought to intimidate Vietnamese vessels. Water cannon was used.'
Vietnam said China's decision was illegal, demanding the drilling rig be withdrawn.
This comes as Beijing unilaterally announced last week it would move the deep-water drilling rig into disputed waters.
Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry has called on the Philippines to hand back a Chinese fishing boat and its eleven crew members. The ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing in Beijing that the Philippines should stop taking provocative actions.
Philippine police confirmed the boat's capture and said it was being towed to southwestern Palawan Province. Reports say contact was lost with eleven fishermen in the South China Sea after they were intercepted by armed men.
Beijing claims almost the entire oil- and gas-rich South China Sea and rejects rival claims from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei to parts or all of it.
The developments come as the US and the Philippines have signed an accord that will give the American military greater access to bases across the South East Asian nation.
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