Hanoi:

As tensions flare-up in the South China Sea (SCS), which has been boiling for some time now, the prime contestants seem to be Vietnam and China.Both countries have been locked again in a stand-off, contesting each other’s claims of maritime rights and seabed exploration endeavours.

China has taken a series of provocative actions in the waters since the start of this year as the world is busy battling with the Covid-19 pandemic caused by coronavirus that originated in Wuhan city of China.The renewed tensions repeat a familiar pattern the world has witnessed repeatedly regarding Chinese conduct in the South China Sea disputes.