# Hundreds of Chinese fishing boats appear off Vietnam. What does Beijing want?

https://mins.news/en/item/73567

- BBC Chinese, 2026-09-25 07:22 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/ck1l6ynmmvlvo/trad?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> More Chinese fishing boats have been operating off Vietnam in recent years, with some accompanied by government and maritime militia vessels. Researchers say the activity is not only about fishing but also supports Beijing’s South China Sea claims and geopolitical aims, while Vietnamese fishermen face mounting pressure on their livelihoods and fishing grounds.