China had sent a fleet of fishing vessels with militia aboard to the Spratly Islands earlier this month, despite the Philippines and Vietnam claiming they have control over the territory. In response, Hanoi sent a warship near the disputed island, while the Philippines sent reconnaissance aircraft to observe China's fishing fleet. Vietnam deployed the Quang Trung, an anti-submarine frigate, as well as its on-board helicopter to carry out military drills in view of China's fishing vessels. A spokesperson from Hanoi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs blasted the incursion, and stated the "activities of Chinese ships ... seriously violate Vietnam's sovereignty". The...