Japan Donates 2 More Patrol Boats to Vietnam Amid S. China Sea Tensions

Japan has delivered to Vietnam another two ships that will be refurbished into patrol boats in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The ships, which arrived Tuesday in the port city of Da Nang, are the second delivery of a 2014 deal for Tokyo to provide Vietnam with six used fishing vessels that will be converted into patrol ships for Vietnam's coast guard and fisheries ministry.

Japan has also agreed to provide equipment and technical advice. 

In September, the two sides signed a separate deal for Tokyo to provide even more vessels in the future.

The Japanese ships follow a U.S. pledge to provide at least five refurbished fast patrol ships to improve Vietnam's Coast Guard...
  voanews.com
3/11/15
--
-
Related:

• US actions in South China Sea may escalate tensions — (Indonesian defense minister) 

• China to respond toughly to provocations in South China Sea — (Foreign Ministry) 

• US to return to South China Sea after warship visit...

 --

Related:

• China pulls out its drilling platform from disputable Paracel Islands

• China says will never send military to oil rig spat with Vietnam

• Vietnam's allegation China send warships to guard oil rig "inaccurate"

• Xisha Islands: Vietnam's Provocation and China's Position

• Maritime confrontation between Vietnam, China ongoing. -- Official

 -