Article: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/02/26/vietnam-strengthens-fortifications-in-disputed-south-china-sea-satellite-images-reveal/
Steadily over the past two years, Vietnam has been improving infrastructure and fortifications on their outposts in the disputed South China Sea. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative has reported recent improvements. The most drastic changes have been to the West Reef and Sin Cowe Islands, but there have been smaller updates to Pearson Reef, Namyit, and Spratly as well. Vietnam has claimed sovereignty over the Paracel Islands and the Spratly islands.
These adjustments have not been as severe as the improvements China has been making in the South China Sea, and neither is much of a surprise. Vietnam and China are two of six Southeast Asian nations that want to claim Spratly and Paracel islands located in the South China Sea. Both countries have made attempts to reinforce their claims on the territory.
This is geopolitical in nature because the water would allow whatever country who has control to gain natural gas and oil. This concerns the surrounding nations because one-third of all global shipping passes through the South China Sea. China in particular has 80% of their imports arriving through the South China Sea and would see a massive economic disruption without this passageway.
Geostrategically, there are many considerations to be made in the South China Sea. As we discussed in class, China has been trying to develop national territory, but they border a body of shared water. In order to create sovereign territory, China wants to create islands. The idea is if China gains islands, then the water in between also becomes the territory of China. It is assumed that part of the reason Vietnam is increasing their outposts strength is for their national security interests. Vietnam, much like many other countries, does not want to be subjugated. The entirety of the South China Sea dispute is complicated and may eventually lead to warfare that could involve realm powers including China and the United States. This is a developing conflict that should be closely monitored.