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Return of the rig ups tension in South China Sea

Tensions in the South China Sea have heightened since China moved its drilling rig back into disputed waters recently, and a resolution to the dispute looks a long way off Tensions in the South China Sea have heightened since China moved its drilling rig back into disputed waters recently, and a resolution to the dispute looks a long way off.
By Andrew Walker 9 February 2016 0 19198
The intersecting claims in the South China Sea and the location of CNOOC’s drilling rig in 2014.

The return of China’s most advanced deepwater rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea indicates further international flashpoints could be in the offing.

The Haiyang Shiyou 981, owned by China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC), re-entered waters disputed by China and Vietnam on 16 January, according to a statement issued by Vietnam’s foreign ministry. The statement called for China to stop drilling and withdraw the rig.

According to China’s Maritime Safety Administration, the vessel is expected to complete its drilling activities this week,...