Chinese vessels have expanded the area of protection around oil rig illegally positioned in Vietnamese waters, showing signs that it may have been moved.

A Chinese ship rammed a much smaller Vietnamese one 

In recent days, chases and clashes between Chinese and Vietnamese ships were a regular occurrence. When Vietnamese vessels came within five to seven nautical miles of the rig, Chinese boats would respond aggressively.

Reports of such clashes have continued, and the area of protection initiated by the Chinese has even expanded. On May 25, a group of around 30 fishing vessels, reinforced with metal, collided with a number of Vietnamese ships. Many Vietnamese boats continue to report aggressive actions from the Chinese side.

Many suggest fact that the expansion of the area of protection, now closer to eight to ten nautical miles from the oil rig, suggest that the Chinese may have moved, or be in the process of moving it.

According to reporters from Vietnam Television, the position of Chinese oil rig may have been changed slightly, and the protection ring expanded to facilitate this move.

Speaking with reporters on May 25, a representative of Vietnam Coast Guard said, "We have heard about the move, but we have had no visual confirmation from our ships. We are still in the process of verifying this information. A move of just 100 metres would be difficult to detect with the naked eye and normal equipment. Yesterday, we had some indications of slight moves, but we did not see any continuation today."