Vietnam's rapid land reclamation challenges China's dominance in South China Sea

Vietnam has been actively participating in land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, particularly in the highly contested Spratly Islands. Recent satellite imagery, highlighted by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), reveals that Vietnam has outpaced its previous development activities, surpassing 2,300 acres of reclaimed land. This progress includes the establishment of new harbors and an airstrip, significantly enhancing Vietnam's capabilities in the region. As of early 2025, AMTI reported new constructions at eight significant features, including Collins, Alison, Petley, Lansdowne, and East Reefs, in addition to expansion efforts at Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef, and West Reef. These developments are believed to be focused on improving Vietnam's naval presence and law enforcement operations within the disputed territory, which is also claimed by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. The Spratly Islands are of strategic importance, as they are situated in a maritime passageway that facilitates about a third of the world's trade. Vietnam's aggressive reclamation efforts position it as a formidable claimant in the South China Sea, second only to China in terms of land area claimed. In stark contrast to China's consolidation of its islands, which included the establishment of military infrastructure and missile systems, Vietnam's recent expansions have raised alarms concerning potential ecological damage and the further militarization of a region already fraught with tension. Vietnam's ambitions in the Spratly Islands come amid ongoing disputes with China, which has referred to Vietnam's actions as illegal and asserted that the Nansha Islands belong inherently to China. In response, Vietnam continues to fortify its position and expand its presence amidst growing pressures and aggressive maneuvers from China, which has previously militarized areas under its control. VIetnam's development program is focused primarily on constructing harbors to enhance the operational range of its maritime forces, indicating a strategy designed to ensure a prolonged and effective nautical presence, especially as tensions persist in the region. The geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea underscore the competing interests of regional players, with each nation vying for dominance. Vietnam's land reclamation initiatives serve as both a defensive and assertive measure and could soon see it eclipsing China's land area claims. As the reclamation activities evolve, many analysts speculate that Vietnam's commitments may provoke further confrontations over territorial integrity, highlighting the urgency for diplomatic engagements to manage regional disputes and avert potential conflicts.