Vietnam's land reclamation in the South China Sea accelerates, potentially challenging ASEAN unity

Foreign Media: Vietnam Accelerates Reclamation in the South China Sea, May Exceed China, Testing ASEAN Unity

The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Asia-Pacific Maritime Transparency Initiative released new satellite images showing that since early 2025, Vietnam has begun land reclamation on eight previously unconstructed reef platforms in the Paracel Islands (Spratly Islands), including Alison, Collins, East, Landsdowne, and Petley reefs.

At the same time, it also expanded existing Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef, and West Reef. By March 2025, the total area of land reclamation by Vietnam in this sea area had reached about 70% of China's, and is expected to match or even surpass China in scale. ReutersAsia Maritime Transparency Initiativescmp.com.

Analysts pointed out that this rapid expansion may intensify the tensions within ASEAN caused by the South China Sea sovereignty disputes, testing the balance between disputes and cooperation in the region.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841669091726408/

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