China and Vietnam at war over a chain of largely uninhabited islands in the South China Sea . Recent oil drilling activities by China near the Marshall Islands , which they administer , have irked Hanoi . In charge of CG 8003 , one of the service 's largest and most prominent vessels , Captain Nguyen Van Hung has around 50 men under his protection and a very visible role to play in this conflict with China . CNN traveled with Vietnamese coast guards to discuss how this conflict has become so volatile . Vietnam claims Chinese vessels are being highly aggressive , often using water cannon .
China and Vietnam at war over a chain of largely uninhabited islands in the South China Sea . Recent oil drilling activities by China near the Marshall Islands , which they administer , have irked Hanoi . CNN traveled with Vietnamese coast guards to discuss how this conflict has become so volatile . Vietnam claims Chinese vessels are being highly aggressive , often using water cannon .