Vietnam to deploy 'specialised force' in South China Sea

Vietnamese fishing boats in the South China Sea

Vietnam responds to new rules announced by Hainan by launching its own efforts to safeguard its disputed waters 

Vietnam has announced that from 25 January 2013 a 'specialised force' under its new Fishery Bureau will be activated to conduct patrol and surveillance duties in the hotly contested waters of the South China Sea. 

Under a decree signed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on 29 November, the new bureau will fall under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Aquatic Products Department and is to be equipped with civilian patrol ships, supported by marine police and border forces. 

My article, published today in Jane's Defence Weekly, continues here (subscription required).