"中國開鑽油井 情勢更加緊繃"

中國決定在具爭議的亞洲東南海域開挖石油，此舉惹惱了越南。

中國海事局的線上航運貼文指出，CNOOC981將在中國南海開挖油井，從週日開始直至8月15日。根據越南外交部所說，鑽井所在區域將落在越南獨有的經濟海域和大陸棚中。越南官員也表示：「所有在越南海域、沒獲得越南批准的外國活動，皆為非法且無效。」

許多人視此為中國試探越南、菲律賓等國忍耐限度的舉動，以及他們把自己海域的權益看得有多重要，還有若是權益遭到侵害，他們會如何落實權益。隨著美國開始對石油天然氣發展表露興趣並承諾美國支持，該區的情勢就越發緊繃，各國苦惱著如何對付中國拓展中的經濟和軍事權。

中國的魄力能夠輕易將越南（其政府視中國為同盟）陷入風險，若是越南打算出聲抗議的話。但外界認為最近的這個舉動尤其挑釁。負責監督越南邊界議題的前任政府委員Tran Cong Truc表示：「中國此舉比先前的行動像是割斷纜線或是禁止捕漁等來得更加危險。」

(International) Tension Increases As China Begins Oil Drilling

A decision to begin drilling for oil in disputed Southeast Asian waters by Beijing has upset Vietnam.

According to the China Maritime Safety Administrations online navigational post, the CNOOC 981 will be drilling in the South China Sea from Sunday to August 15th. Drilling will be in an area that, according to Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is stationed within Vietnams exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Vietnamese officials also stated, All foreign activities in Vietnams seas without Vietnams permission are illegal and invalid.

The move is seen by many as a means by which China can test the boundaries regarding countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines and just how strong they perceive their oceanic rights to be, and how they will enforce them if violated. With growing tension in the area as the US becomes interested in oil and gas developments and pledges American backing, countries are struggling with how to deal with Chinas growing economic and military rights.

Chinas assertiveness can easily put Vietnam, whose government views China as an ally, at risk if they were to speak out. This latest move, however, is seen as especially provocative. Tran Cong Truc, the former head of a government committee overseeing the countrys border issues, stated, This act by China is much more dangerous than previous actions such as cutting the exploration cable or fishing bans.

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