China has re-deployed its Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig near Vietnamese waters at a time that coincided with the NA's election of new leaders. It could be supposed that the move is a test for Vietnam’s new leadership?

 The East Sea problem became the main focus during the ongoing 11th meeting of the 13th National Assembly with many deputies urging the assembly to officially voice its opinions and suggest action to address the issue.

 VietNamNet Bridge – On March 14, 1988, China sent many warships to attack and invade Gac Ma (Johnson South Reef) of Vietnam, killing 64 unarmed soldiers on duty on the island.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Colonel Le Thanh Van - Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff of Navy Region 3 - at a meeting held by the Navy Region 3 on December 16, said China was trying to create new fishing areas in the East Sea.

Thorny matters stemming from the East Sea situation relating to on-the-spot developments, military strategies and international law application were raised during an international conference held in Vung Tau on November 23-24.

 VietNamNet Bridge – “China strengthening national defense aims at defense. It is very normal, which does not bring harm to neighboring countries or the world,” a Chinese scholar has said. But is it true?

 Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste Hernani Coelho voiced his concern over the recent tension in the East Sea following China’s recent mass land reclamation in Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.

Many National Assembly (NA) deputies showed their concern about tensions in the East Sea at group discussions, while the government’s report to the NA does not discuss much about this content.

VietNamNet Bridge - According to Major-General Le Van Cuong, China's unilateral actions to control the East Sea, use of its fishing fleet to disturb the sovereign waters of Vietnam will continue, at increasing levels.