The Nation (Thailand)
17 July 2014
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Oil Rig Stops Exploration Work Near Disputed Paracel Islands a Month Early
Oil Rig Stops Exploration Work Near Disputed Paracel Islands a Month Early
Beijing has wrapped up sooner than expected a controversial oil rig’s exploration work that triggered deadly anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam.
Most of its vessels were pulled out more than a month ahead of schedule from the rig in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
The move may temporarily ease the stand-off between China and Vietnam that developed after the rig was deployed on May 2.
But observers said it would probably return to the area near the disputed Paracel Islands – which China calls the Xisha Islands and Vietnam calls the Hoang Sa Islands – because signs of oil and gas were found.
The US$1 billion rig, known as HD 981, was originally scheduled to complete its exploration in the middle of next month.
… Li Mingjiang, an associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said CNPC’s announcement could help defuse tensions in the short term, as anti-Chinese sentiment in Vietnam may diminish.
IDSS / RSIS / Online
Last updated on 17/07/2014
