China is carrying out “coercive interference” in oil and gas activities in waters claimed by Vietnam, the Pentagon said on Monday, accusing Beijing of using “bullying tactics.” A Chinese survey vessel on Saturday extended its activities to an area closer to Vietnam’s coastline, ship tracking data showed, after the United States and Australia expressed concern about China’s actions in the disputed waterways. “Recently, China resumed its coercive interference in Vietnam’s longstanding oil and gas activities in the South China Sea,” a Pentagon statement said. The Pentagon said Beijing’s activities were contradictory ... (full story)