The South China Sea is Vietnam's economic lifeline; Hanoi estimates that maritime activity accounts for more than half of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Vietnam is thin, with distinct population clusters centered on the Red and Mekong rivers at either end. Uniting these clusters under one flag requires securing the middle trunk that connects them — Vietnam's geographic weak point. To the west, Laos provides an inland buffer for the trunk, while the long coast to the east is largely open, only loosely bracketed by two sets of islands, the Paracels and the Spratlys. The importance of the islands in substantiating territorial claims is compounded by the possible presence of underwater energy resources. For Vietnam, the demands of a growing economy will only increase the sea's importance and raise the risk and frequency of conflict with China.
