Japan donates patrol ship to Vietnam amid South China Sea tension
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Hanoi (dpa) - Japan has handed over the first of three fisheries patrol ships to Vietnam to help strengthen the country's maritime security, an official said Thursday.
Vietnam is one of several countries whose maritime territories overlap with China's claims in the region.
"This is one of three fisheries patrol ship that Japan plans to donate to Vietnam this year through an official development assistance package worth 500 million yen (4 million dollars)," deputy Agriculture Minister Vu Van Tam told dpa.
The 56-metre-long Hayato will strengthen Vietnam's fisheries surveillance force, he said.
The delivery ceremony took place on Wednesday at Hong Ha Ship building in northern port city of Hai Phong.
