Protests in Vietnam against China, as it asserts claim for almost all the South China Sea, an area rich in oil, gas, and fish.New Chinese passports feature maps staking claims to much of the region.Authorities also have declared the right to stop and search ships in disputed waters.Philippines foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez says that would violate international law." We will have problems with freedom of navigation and also lawful commerce," he said."This would be a threat to all countries, not only in the region, but to all those countries that use these sea lanes of communication.In April, ships from the Philippines and China had a tense two-month stand-off about fishing grounds in the Scarborough Shoals.China's foreign ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, criticizes harassment of Chinese fishermen and Vietnam's exploration with India of disputed resources."China opposes unilateral oil and gas development in disputed waters of the South China Sea.We hope that concerned countries respect China's position and rights," he said.Beijing has avoided discussing the issue with the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations,despite overlapping claims with four of its ten members - Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam - as well as China and Taiwan.
