Chinese Live-Fire Exercises in Gulf of Tonkin Follow Vietnam’s New Territorial Claim

Chinese officials confirmed that live-fire exercises began on Monday in the Gulf of Tonkin, near the Beibu Gulf. These drills will continue until Thursday evening and come just days after Vietnam announced a new baseline marking its territorial waters in the disputed body of water.

Vietnam’s recent declaration, which adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is intended to solidify its legal claims over the area and protect its sovereignty. State-run media in Vietnam noted that the new baseline provides a robust legal framework for asserting its rights.

This series of military exercises by China is seen against the backdrop of long-standing maritime agreements and ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where both nations have competing claims. China’s assertive stance over the region has resulted in other incidents, including clashes involving Vietnamese fishermen and close encounters with naval assets from the Philippines and other neighboring countries.

In addition to its disputes with Vietnam, China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and even Indonesia has experienced tensions with Chinese forces. The recent incident involving a Chinese navy helicopter coming dangerously close to a Philippine patrol plane further illustrates the escalating risks in these contested waters. Political leaders from Australia and New Zealand have also voiced concerns over China's short notice prior to conducting military exercises near their territories, calling for clearer communication to prevent potential misunderstandings and ensure regional stability.