China to seize foreign ships in disputed seas

[hanswu25]

"Analysts say the rules appear to apply only to the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters around every island China claims, but it is unclear what they will mean in practice."

Vietnam Says Chinese Vessels Cut Cables - WSJ.com

The new incident seems to be a carefully calculated action. Vietnam's explorer was immediately surrounded by Chinese trawlers as it cruised out of Beibu bay. Cable cutting occurred right at the border between Beibu bay and SCS which defined by 2004 China-Vietnam Beibu treaty. Before this treaty, Beibu bay also contained two sections of the U shape line which was 11 but not 9 like right now.
Within the bay, joint patrols has successfully ensured that vessels from both sides would not cross the line into other side (except for joint fishing zone). Area outside that zone seem to be considered contested water and Chinese vessels are "free" to roam anywhere and do whatever they think appropriate.
This kind of incident gives a clearer message about what China wants in SCS, particular in Vietnam case: "Guaranteed to get half or may lose everything".