China and Vietnam vowed Sunday to keep the peace in the South China Sea, the resource-rich waterway that has long been a source of tension between Hanoi and its powerhouse communist neighbour. China claims most of the disputed sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves and is highly strategic for trade and defence. Beijing has built up artificial islands capable of hosting military installations in recent years, stoking ire from claimants like Vietnam, which has emerged as China's most vocal opponent in the waterway.

Beijing, Hanoi promise to keep peace in South China Sea. (2018, April 3). The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.