Why is Vietnam rapidly accelerating its island-building in the South China Sea?

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Vietnam's Accelerated Island Building is a Response to Chinese Expansion and a Driver of Regional Contestation

Vietnam has significantly intensified its own island-building activities in the disputed Spratly Islands as a direct reaction to China's prior extensive land reclamation efforts. This acceleration, which has seen Vietnam generate approximately 70 per cent of the artificial land China has created in the Spratlys as of March 2025, is transforming modest features into more substantial outposts. The ongoing expansion includes dredging and landfill operations on eight new locations, alongside enlargements at existing sites like Amboyna Cay and West Reef. This surge in construction is enhancing Vietnam's capacity for regional patrols and resupply operations.
Increased Reclamation Scale and Pace

Since 2021, Vietnam has been actively developing previously minor features into more fortified outposts. The scale of this activity has escalated dramatically, with 692 acres added in 2024 alone, nearly matching the total from the preceding two years. A further 641 acres have been added since then, bringing Vietnam's total artificial landmass in the Spratlys to approximately 3,319 acres. This rapid pace indicates a strategic push to match or potentially surpass China's scale of reclamation in the region.
Development of Enhanced Infrastructure

The ongoing construction projects are not limited to land generation; they also involve the development of critical infrastructure. Plans are underway for the construction or expansion of coastal harbors, docks, and runways. Notably, Barque Canada Reef has seen significant expansion, increasing from 238 to 412 acres, with potential for a 3-kilometer runway. These developments are designed to bolster Vietnam's ability to conduct patrols, facilitate resupply missions, and potentially accommodate larger aircraft.
A Reactive Strategy Amidst Regional Tensions

Vietnam's accelerated island-building is explicitly framed as a response to China's aggressive reclamation campaign, often referred to as the "Great Wall of Sand," which saw extensive construction of runways, ports, and military fortifications on features like Mischief, Subi, and Fiery Cross Reefs between 2013 and 2016. This prior expansion by China provided it with significant logistical dominance and strategic depth. Vietnam's current efforts can be understood as a strategic countermeasure to maintain its position and influence within the contested waterway, driven by a desire to avoid being strategically outmaneuvered.

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Why is Vietnam rapidly accelerating its island-building in the South China Sea?

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