Vietnam's China Dilemma Amid Maritime Disputes

PetroVietnam on June 5 sent its oil exploration vessel, Binh Minh 02, back out for maritime resource surveying after the ship had its survey cables cut by Chinese marine surveillance ships in a May 26 confrontation. The move demonstrates Hanoi's unwillingness to back away from its territorial and sovereignty claims. However, after several maritime disputes with China, Vietnam is struggling to assert itself and manage its relations with regional and global powers amid China's increasing aggressiveness, domestic protests and a leadership transition.