📰 IN NEWS – Vietnam’s Island Building in Spratlys (2025)

The Spratly Islands are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea (SCS).
Claimed (wholly or partly) by: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan.
Strategic importance:
- Rich in oil, gas & fisheries.
- Lies on one of the world’s busiest sea lanes (⅓ of global trade passes through SCS).
International Law: UNCLOS (1982) governs maritime claims.
2016 Hague PCA Ruling: Invalidated China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claims → China rejected.

Since 2021, Vietnam expanded reclamation on all 21 features it occupies.
2025 activity: Dredging & landfill at Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef, Petley Reef.
Extra expansion at Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef, West Reef.
By March 2025 → Vietnam had created ~70% of China’s artificial land in Spratlys.
Vietnam is on track to surpass Beijing’s reclamation scale.

Munitions depots & facilities at: Barque Canada Reef, Discovery Great Reef, Ladd Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Sand Cay, Tennent Reef.
Airstrips:
- Vietnam currently → 1 airstrip at Spratly Island.
- New runway under construction at Barque Canada Reef.

China’s position: Opposes Vietnam’s construction (esp. Barque Canada Reef).
Claimants in Spratlys: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan.
U.S. & allies: Oppose Chinese militarization; now monitoring Vietnam too.
Raises risk of militarization & confrontation in SCS.

Prelims Bits

Spratly Islands = Disputed archipelago in South China Sea.
PCA 2016 ruling → struck down China’s Nine-Dash Line.
Vietnam’s airstrips → Spratly Island (existing), Barque Canada Reef (under construction).

Updated - August 23, 2025 2:15 AM | Reuters

Vietnam island building in Spratlys may soon surpass China's