Vietnam accuses China of "brutal" attack on fishing vessel in South China Sea

Vietnam has condemned what it describes as a "brutal" attack by Chinese law enforcement on a Vietnamese fishing vessel operating in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The incident occurred on September 29 and reportedly left ten crew members injured, including three with broken bones, according to state media outlet Tien Phong, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The Vietnamese fishing vessel, hailing from Quang Ngai province, was allegedly targeted by Chinese authorities, who seized approximately four tons of seafood and damaged or removed equipment from the boat. Estimated losses from the attack are reported to be around 500 million dong (approximately $20,220).

In an official statement, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed the country's "extreme concern" and "indignation" over the incident. She emphasized Vietnam's opposition to the actions of Chinese law enforcement, which she claimed jeopardized the lives of Vietnamese fishermen operating in the Paracel Islands, a territory claimed by both nations.

China's Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to the allegations, as the inquiry was made during a public holiday in Beijing. However, the ministry did assert that Vietnamese vessels were illegally fishing in the Paracel Islands and that Chinese authorities acted to stop these activities.

The South China Sea has long been a region of tension, with overlapping territorial claims involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Vietnam has expressed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty in the face of China's expansive claims over the region.

In response to the incident, Vietnam has lodged a formal protest with the Chinese embassy in Hanoi, demanding that China respect its sovereignty over the Paracel archipelago and conduct a prompt investigation into the attack. The Vietnamese government has called for China to refrain from similar actions in the future.

This incident comes amid ongoing efforts between Vietnam and the Philippines to enhance cooperation in maritime security. In August, the two countries signed letters of intent focused on humanitarian assistance at sea, with plans for a more comprehensive security agreement expected to be finalized later this year.

Vietnam has also offered to engage in talks with the Philippines regarding overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, particularly as both nations contend with increasing assertiveness from Chinese vessels in contested waters.

By Khagan Isayev