Tensions Rise Over Barque Canada Reef Dispute in South China Sea

China has opposed Vietnam's construction activities on the Barque Canada Reef, a disputed site in the South China Sea occupied by Vietnam since the 1980s. This territorial dispute, involving multiple countries, has intensified alongside rising China-U.S. influence contests in Southeast Asia. The conflict involves historical claims and international arbitration rulings.

China has formally opposed Vietnam's construction pursuits on the disputed Barque Canada Reef in the contentious South China Sea. The Chinese foreign ministry asserts the reef as part of its territory, denouncing what it terms "illegal occupation" by Vietnam, which has controlled the area since the 1980s.

This territorial dispute is gaining traction, fueled by the broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States for influence in Southeast Asia. The South China Sea is a crucial maritime route claimed by various nations, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Notably, Vietnam has significantly expanded the reef areas through land reclamation efforts.

Amid these tensions, both countries continue to navigate diplomatic avenues, reflecting on historical claims and the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that deemed China's territorial claims invalid under international law. Despite these challenges, cooperation initiatives in security and potential resolutions through ASEAN frameworks remain ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)