China and Vietnam at odds over a chain of largely uninhabited islands in the South China Sea . While Chinese ships keep their distance , they are intent on making their presence known . Recent oil drilling operations by China near the Paracel Islands , which they administer , have irked Hanoi . The U.S. has been trying to persuade Beijing not to take any more action that could escalate tensions with its Asian allies. Vietnam says Chinese vessels are being highly aggressive , often using water cannon .
China and Vietnam at odds over a chain of largely uninhabited islands in the South China Sea . Recent oil drilling operations by China near the Paracel Islands , which they administer , have irked Hanoi . The U.S. has been trying to persuade Beijing not to take any more action that could escalate tensions with its Asian allies. Vietnam says Chinese vessels are being highly aggressive , often using water cannon .