Vietnam on Tuesday signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to borrow 36.63 billion yen ($348.2 million) to build six patrol vessels, state media reported, amid rising tensions in the east Vietnam sea.
The vessels, to be delivered to the Vietnam coast guard by October 2025, would boost the country’s maritime capability, Nhan Dan newspaper reported. It did not provide details of the vessels to be built.
Related: US denies China’s claims in most of South China Sea
Vietnam and other Asian states have for years been locked in maritime disputes in the South China Sea. China claims 90% of the potentially energy-rich waters but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts.
The vessels are “aimed at strengthening law enforcement and maritime rescue operations, ensuring security, maritime safety and freedom of navigation in Vietnam”, said the newspaper, an official outlet of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
FILE – A Vietnamese sinking boat (L) which was rammed and then sunk by Chinese vessels near disputed Paracels Islands, is seen near a Marine Guard ship (R) at Ly Son island of Vietnam’s central Quang Ngai province.
Australia last week joined the United States in stating that China’s claims in the South China Sea do not comply with international law.
Last year, the United States announced it would provide Vietnam with another coast guard cutter for its growing fleet, in addition to at least 18 “Metal Shark” patrol boats it provided to Vietnam in the last three years.
The 40-year loan has a grace period of 10 years, Tuesday’s report said, adding that the vessels would be built by a Japanese contractor.
Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Martin Petty @ Reuters