Hanoi: Vietnam launched a live-fire naval drill off its central coast today amid a nasty spat with China following two maritime incidents over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
A naval officer based in central Quang Nam province said the first part of the nine-hour exercise began in the morning on and around the uninhabited island of Hon Ong, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) off the coast.
He declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the press. He said it was a routine annual training exercise involving various types of artillery and other weapons, but that no missiles would be fired.
He declined to say how many troops or vessels would be involved. A second drill lasting five hours was scheduled for the evening.
"It has nothing to do with the recent incidents involving China," he said.
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