HANOI — Vietnam has accused China of trespassing and demanded a Chinese survey ship in the South China Sea withdraw in the latest flashpoint over the disputed territory. ADVERTISEMENTThe two countries have long been locked in a maritime disagreement over the resource-rich waters, with the Chinese claiming nearly all of it. But the international community has largely sided with the other claimants — Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei — citing the importance of freedom of navigation. “We hope that the Vietnamese side can… refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation,” said spokesman Geng Shuang. In June, a Chinese vessel and a fishing boat from the Philippines collided in the South China Sea, sparking public outrage as Manila accused the trawler of abandoning the 22 Filipino crew members.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 20, 2019 06:22 UTC