Janice R. Andrews
The escalating tensions in the South China Sea are taking a harsh toll on Vietnamese fishermen, who find themselves at the center of a dangerous geopolitical conflict. Recent attacks on fishing vessels have brought renewed urgency to calls for ASEAN cooperation to protect these vulnerable maritime workers. However, questions linger about whether such measures are enough to ensure their safety.
Harrowing Experiences at Sea
Captain Nguyen Thanh Bien’s latest fishing trip ended not with a bountiful catch, but with injuries and trauma. After spending 16 days at sea, he and his crew returned to Sa Ky Port in Vietnam’s Quang Ngai province with nothing but harrowing tales of violence, allegedly inflicted by a group of 40 men linked to Chinese “maritime security” forces.
“They left us with nothing but a tracker to navigate back to Vietnam,” said Thuong, another injured fisherman. The crew reported being attacked with metal rods, leaving Nguyen unconscious and others severely wounded.
On the same day, another Vietnamese boat was targeted, losing all its equipment and 3.5 tons of fish, according to the South China Sea Chronicle Initiative (SCSCI), a Vietnamese think tank.
Governments Speak Out Against the Violence
The attacks have sparked strong reactions from Vietnam and the Philippines, both of whom condemned the violence and called for accountability.
“Vietnam is extremely concerned and resolutely protests the brutal treatment of Vietnamese fishermen by Chinese law enforcement forces,” said Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry.
The Philippines also voiced its disapproval, calling the actions of Chinese authorities “violent and illegal.” Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano emphasized, “Fishermen, as vulnerable maritime workers, deserve protection — not harm — at sea.”
In late October, Vietnam formally demanded the release of fishermen believed to have been detained since June. However, China defended its actions, reaffirming its maritime claims and urging Vietnam to prevent its fishermen from engaging in what it termed “illegal activities.”
Beijing’s expansive claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, based on its contentious nine-dash line, has been widely disputed and was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016.
China’s Aggressive Tactics
Analysts believe these attacks are part of a broader strategy by China to assert its dominance in the South China Sea and intimidate other nations.
“China is using these incidents to coerce neighboring states into submission,” said Nguyen Khac Giang, a researcher at Singapore’s ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For Vietnam, the attacks highlight the limitations of its improved relations with China, while for the Philippines, they test the resilience of its alliance with the United States, Giang explained.
Van Pham, Director of SCSCI, suggested that China’s assertiveness at sea may be partially driven by domestic challenges, including economic and social pressures. “This aggression serves as a distraction from internal problems,” she noted.
Interestingly, SCSCI observed no direct evidence of China’s Coast Guard being involved in these specific attacks, suggesting a “grey-zone tactic” where local forces carry out brutal actions, allowing Beijing to distance itself from responsibility.
Complex Disputes Over the South China Sea
The South China Sea, a critical trade route and vital fishing ground, has long been a focal point of international disputes.
The conflict has two primary dimensions: territorial claims over islands, reefs, and rocks, and disagreements over maritime rights in the waters surrounding these features.
China’s claim to almost the entire sea through its nine-dash line remains a key point of contention. Other nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, assert competing claims. These overlapping claims have led to frequent clashes, with fishermen often caught in the crossfire.
“Fishermen are pawns in this geopolitical struggle,” noted South China Sea expert Bill Hayton. They are both symbols of national sovereignty and targets for rival claimants trying to assert control over contested waters.
Toward Regional Cooperation
Experts believe that increased cooperation among ASEAN nations is essential to protect fishermen and reduce tensions in the region.
“ASEAN states must strengthen diplomatic engagement and expedite negotiations for a Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea,” said Nguyen Khac Giang. He also called for joint patrols and collaborative fisheries management to prevent further conflict.
Giang suggested establishing emergency communication channels with Chinese authorities and praised the Philippines’ transparency initiatives as a model for raising global awareness about maritime incidents.
Van Pham highlighted the Manila Dialogue, a recent forum on South China Sea issues, as a promising step toward fostering collaboration among stakeholders. However, she criticized Vietnam’s lack of decisive action regarding the prolonged detention of its fishermen in Hainan since June, calling for stronger responses to reassure its fishing communities.
The Human Cost of Geopolitical Conflict
Despite diplomatic efforts, fishermen like Captain Nguyen and his crew remain at great risk. The absence of enforceable protections leaves them vulnerable to violence in contested waters.
The South China Sea conflict is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of geopolitical strife. For the fishermen who rely on these waters to feed their families, the stakes are more than political — they are personal and often life-threatening.
ASEAN nations must prioritize the safety and rights of these individuals, not only to uphold justice but also to stabilize the region. Diplomatic initiatives, joint enforcement measures, and policy reforms must take center stage if lasting peace is to be achieved.
This article sheds light on the increasing dangers faced by Vietnamese fishermen in the South China Sea, examining the geopolitical factors driving these incidents and the urgent need for regional cooperation to protect vulnerable maritime workers. With a focus on solutions and accountability, ASEAN can work toward a safer, more equitable future for the region.
