The traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) has arrived early for soldiers and islanders on Truong Sa district as ships are crossing rough seas to carry Tet gifts and supplies from all parts of the country to the locality.

As Tet (Lunar New Year) comes near, locals and naval soldiers on Sinh Ton (Sin Cowe) island in Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago gather to make traditional chung cakes.

Experts on the East Sea say China’s “grey zone” strategy provokes tension in order to control most of the East Sea.

As the sun rises over the shimmering sea and seagulls fly overhead, it’s time for Ship No 571 to leave Cam Ranh Military Port for Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in Khanh Hoa Province.