Hanoi voices strong objections after reports emerge about Chinese construction works in the Paracels archipelago
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenMaria SiowPublished: 4:00pm, 2 Sep 2026Vietnam faces heightened security in the South China Sea amid reports of construction works in the Paracels archipelago – which Beijing calls Xisha Islands – with analysts saying that the latest developments could alter the strategic balance in the contested waters.Hanoi voiced its strong objection after reports citing satellite imagery said new Chinese infrastructure had appeared on Yagong Island, called Ba Ba Island by Vietnam.
“Vietnam resolutely opposes this, has made serious representations and affirmed its position on the matter, and demands an immediate end to such activities and that they not be repeated,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said on Friday.
“Vietnam reiterates that all foreign activities in the Paracel Islands, including at Ba Ba Island and at Hai Sam Reef, conducted without Vietnam’s permission are completely illegal and null and void,” she added, using Vietnam’s name for Antelope Reef.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) reported on August 14 that China had completed land reclamation at Antelope Reef. First signs of major infrastructure have emerged at the new artificial island, including a “likely airstrip”.
