Vietnam has lodged a formal complaint against China's accelerated dredging at the disputed Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, following recent reports of initial reclamation work there. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnam 'resolutely opposes' such activities, calling them 'completely illegal and invalid' without Hanoi's permission.
Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said on Saturday: “Vietnam resolutely opposes such activities, makes representations and affirms its position on this matter.” The protest follows last week’s agreement in Hanoi between Chinese and Vietnamese foreign, security and defence ministers to “properly” address maritime disputes, and comes amid reports of ongoing reclamation at the reef.
Satellite imagery has previously shown dredging beginning after mid-October, with recent images indicating acceleration. The Paracel Islands are controlled by China but claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines, amid broader South China Sea tensions.
Beijing's foreign ministry has been contacted for comment but has not responded.