Chinese ships depart Vietnam waters after US-China talks over Russian-operated gas fields.

Chinese Research Ship and Escort Leave Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone

An alleged Chinese research ship and its escort, which operated for nearly a month in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, left those waters on Monday night, vessel-tracking experts said, just after high-level U.S.-China talks.

The Chinese vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 began sailing in Vietnam’s EEZ on May 7, at times flanked by a dozen ships, and regularly crossing gas and oil fields operated by Russian companies, according to vessel-tracking data.

On Monday, after U.S. and China senior officials held talks in Beijing that both parties called constructive, the Chinese vessel and its escort of more than half a dozen ships began their journey back to China’s Hainan island, leaving Vietnam’s EEZ around midnight.

Asked about the movements of the ships, China’s foreign ministry did not comment about the return to Hainan.

“The Chinese scientific research vessel carrying out normal research activities in maritime waters under China’s jurisdiction is legitimate and proper. The issue of entering another country’s EEZ does not exist,” it said in a statement.

International Law and EEZs

Under international law, ships are allowed to sail through foreign EEZs, but unauthorized surveys are not permitted.

Conclusion

The departure of the Chinese research ship and its escort from Vietnam’s EEZ comes after high-level talks between the U.S. and China. The Chinese foreign ministry has stated that the research activities were legitimate and proper, but the issue of entering another country’s EEZ without authorization remains a contentious issue under international law.

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