Carlyle A. Thayer, Emeritus Professor from the Australian Defence Force Academy talked about the deployment of eight batteries of what are reported to be part of China's HQ-9 air defence system in the Spratly Islands. "This is a demonstration that at short notice China can deploy similar systems in the Spratlys on the pretext of a threat from the United States, Thayer said. According to Thayer, up until now concerns by the United States and other countries about militarisation of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) have focused on China's artificial islands in the East Sea. Woody Island in the Paracels has been militarised for quite some time. Its airfield was recently extended to 3,048m. Woody houses hangars and military aircraft. This past year the latest model J-11 BH/BHS jet fighters were deployed there. An off-shore island houses a major SIGINT base. Other photos that have appeared recently shows a marked step up in construction on two sites - North … [Read more...] about Australian expert’s opinions on Chinese deployment of air defences on Spratly Islands
Tree island
Reforestation brings island back to life
Soil erosion has become rampant in most river banks and river islands in southern Vietnam, with the exception of Long Hoa Island in Tra Vinh Province in the Mekong Delta. Part 1: Soil erosion – natural or human calamity? Part 2: Reforestation brings island back to life Locals on the islands have discovered an ancient method to prevent erosion: reforestation. Trees surrounding an island help expand it gradually by creating a flooded alluvial plain, which then becomes a fishing area for locals to earn their living thanks to an abundant amount of sea products such as fish and shellfish. Tran Huu Chi, 55, a farmer living on Long Hoa Island in Chau Thanh District, pointed towards a forest growing up from the flooded alluvial plain surrounding the island and said, “We farmers joined hands to cultivate indigenous trees to create that forest.” “Thanks to the forest, we no longer lose land to soil erosion. It has even helped expand our island by some ten kilometers, … [Read more...] about Reforestation brings island back to life
Truong Sa and national seas and islands (Part 2)
PANO - On each island in Truong Sa Island District, I saw warm hugs and handshakes among religious dignitaries, overseas Vietnamese, troops and islanders. The guests visited the barracks and they also dropped in each household, had a tour around cultural house, school, clinic and husbandry areas. Some overseas Vietnamese and religious dignitaries sat under the shade of square-malabar almond trees telling stories and singing for local students. Almost all guests expressed their wish to return to the islands again in the future. In an exchange with Song Tu Tay Island commune’s troops and islanders, Caodaist Minister, Trang Duc Tang, from the south stressed that, “We respect and do not violate the sovereignty of neighbouring countries. We defend, protect and preserve the airspace, the land and territorial waters handed down by our ancestors. We, civilians of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, including monks and religious, in general, and Caodaists, in particular, are … [Read more...] about Truong Sa and national seas and islands (Part 2)
Truong Sa Island, main theme of Spring Flower Festival 2012
Central city, town seek to entertain visitors with Tet galas The folk game, co nguoi, a traditional Vietnamese chess game in which people play the pieces, never fails to attract attention. Da Nang city’s March 29 Theme Park will host a Vietnamese traditional Tet celebration with many ancient cultural festivities during the lunar New Year holiday. Floral displays, folk theater and games will be part of the festival. Many local legends like the story of fairy and dragon, deified as Vietnamese ancestors; and the scramble between the dragon and kylin for a pearl will be adapted for the stage. Tourists will also have chance to attend many folk games and enjoy ethnic costume shows. In Quang Nam province’s Hoi An town, one of most popular tourist destinations in the country, the fourth annual competition for lantern makers will light up streets and lanes in the town's old quarter from January 21 to February 6. Besides the lantern contest, music and dance shows, fashion … [Read more...] about Truong Sa Island, main theme of Spring Flower Festival 2012
Island resort set to become major Hai Phong attraction
The International Hon Dau Island Resort has emerged as a major tourist destination in Hai Phong City of late. Spread across 65ha of Do Son coast, the resort is capable of accommodating 5,000 guests at any given time and includes a 7ha artificial white sand beach, the largest in Southeast Asia. The premises additionally play host to a 17ha eco-park on top of Dau Lo mountain consisting of a small zoo, a crocodile lake, a waterfall and cottages scattered amidst a pine-tree forest, all within easy reach via battery-powered car. As for entertainment, the water-park, golf/driving range, kayaking centre, natural beach and spa offer abundant opportunities for leisure. "Spending time in the eco-park over a weekend is an excellent means of breaking away from city life," said 27-year-old Nguyen Mai Thi, a local resident. "The resort lies relatively close to the city centre. It takes only 30 minutes by bus or motorbike along a 25km route to reach it," she added. From its specially … [Read more...] about Island resort set to become major Hai Phong attraction