Japan Delivered Two Used Boats to Vietnam

The government of Japan has thus far provided Vietnam with used boats to help boost its coastal patrol capabilities. On November 3, two used boats arrived from Japan at Da-Nang, Central Vietnam.

Vietnam is confronted with China over territorial rights in the South China Sea where the importance of stepping up Vietnam's patrol capabilities over the waters can never be overemphasized. Handed over this time are two 50-meter-long fishing boats. The boats will be renovated where necessary and put to patrolling and rescue services.

The hand-over ceremony November 3 was attended by representatives of both governments. Emphasizing the importance of  furthering partnership between Japan and Vietnam, Minister Katsuro Nagai of the Japanese Embassy appealed:

"Japan and Vietnam share serious concerns over China's unilateral attempt to alter the status quo in the South China Sea. We do hope these ships will be put to effective use".

Japan has so far delivered four ships and two more will follow within the year for delivery to the fishing monitor station.
China's moves in the South China call for Vietnam's swift and effective countermeasures in maritime surveillance inside its own territorial waters.

President Xi Jinping's visit of Vietnam was countered by a 30-man demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy November 5 opposing his visit. Protesting Vietnam's dependence on China, the demonstrators appealed that both Paracel and Spratly Islands, over which Vietnam and China are disputing territorial rights, belong to Vietnam. The demonstration was subdued in 15 minutes and no major commotion entailed.

There is a widespread antipathy among the people of Vietnam toward China over the ongoing conflicts on Vietnam's territorial rights in the South China Sea.