Vietnam buttresses SCS presence
News emerged last week that Vietnam had deployed mobile rocket launchers on some of its occupied islets in the Spratly chain in the South China Sea. If true, these would pose a military threat to China, as well as increase tensions.
The reports stated that Vietnam had discreetly shipped launchers to five of its South China Sea bases, where they remain hidden from aerial surveillance. While not yet armed it is believed they could be quickly fitted with long-range rockets.
Vietnam however denied these rumours with the Foreign Ministry described the reports as ‘inaccurate’.
Furthermore, in June the country’s deputy
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