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The two states have experienced a crisis point in their diplomatic ties following Beijing’s institution of its nine-dash line policy. Under the nine-dash line policy, China lays claim to several territories that are currently contested with multiple neighbouring nations.

Such has been the territorial dispute, that China has clashed with the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. In July tensions between Vietnam and China reached a high point when Beijing dispatched a research ship to conduct surveying missions in waters controlled by Vietnam. Both countries claimed that they were merely exercising their own sovereign rights. More recently, Vietnam’s President and Communist Party chief, Nguyen Phu Trong has insisted that his country is prepared to defend itself at any cost in a recent government statement.

South China Sea: Vietnam hits back

South China Sea: Vietnam has clashed with China before

Although he did admit that Vietnam had good relations with China, the President also stated that the country will never give its territory. Mr Trong said: “We will resolutely and persistently maintain independence while fighting for the protection of our sovereignty, but we must maintain a peaceful environment for development. "What belongs to our independence and national sovereignty, we will never give up. “We are determined to fight and win.” JUST IN: South China Sea crisis: Will Trump's Middle East policy help Beijing

South China Sea: Xi implemented the nine-dash line policy

The recent Haiyan Dizhi 8 vessel was still continuing its survey mission through the territorial waters on Tuesday. According to shipping data, the vessel was being escorted by two other Chinese ships as it passed through the waters. Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said on the ship: “The Chinese survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escort vessels continue, and expand their operations within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, thus seriously violating Vietnam’s sovereign rights. “Once again, Vietnam demands that China immediately cease its serious violations, withdraw all of its vessels from Vietnam’s maritime zones and desist from repeating similar violations." DON'T MISS China unveil mystery supersonic cruise missile weapon in demonstration South China Sea: US Navy puts on major show of force in region South China Sea crisis: US tested new weapon DURING Beijing parade

South China Sea: China has sent several ships in the region

South China Sea: Several island have also been built

In other news relating to the relations between the two countries, Vietnam recently pulled the DreamWorks film, Abominable from its cinemas. The reason being for the decision was that in one scene where there was a map declaring China’s nine-dash line policy. Due to its implementation of the nine-dash line policy, China has become increasingly visible in the region. As well as vessels passing through contested water, artificial islands have also been built.

South China Sea mapped

Such is the increased presence of Chinese vessels that both the UK and US have sent warships to help police certain areas of the region. Recently, the UK send the new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region. China hit back at the news of the European nations ordering key ships in their fleets to sail to the disputed sea area.

South China Sea

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