Vietnam to build 32 patrol ships amid China rowJuly 5, 2014 - 12:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Vietnam plans to build 32 new coastal patrol vessels, boosting its maritime muscle and surveillance capacities amid an increasingly tense territorial dispute in the South China Sea with its far larger neighbor China, the Associated Press reported. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the government would spend $540 million on the new coast guard and fishery patrol vessels. The decision was made Thursday, July 3 according to a government statement released later the same day. Vietnam and China have sparred for years over who owns what in the South China Sea but tensions escalated sharply in early May when Beijing deployed a large oil rig near the disputed Paracel islands. Hanoi protested the deployment and has sent coastal patrol ships to try and shoo away the rig, which is protected by a large flotilla of Chinese ships. The ships have been unable to get close to the rig, and several have been damaged in collisions with larger, stronger Chinese vessels. The Vietnam government says it hasn't deployed navy vessels anywhere near the rig. Photo: AP Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |