China hits India-Vietnam oil development deal

China has strongly criticized an agreement between India and Vietnam to jointly develop oil fields in the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei criticized the plan when he spoke to reporters in Beijing on Monday.

The foreign ministers of India and Vietnam agreed in Hanoi on Friday to strengthen security ties and jointly develop oil fields in the South China Sea.

Lei said any companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities in seas under Chinese jurisdiction without the approval of the Chinese government will infringe on its sovereignty and national interest. He added that such activities are illegal and invalid.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.

Vietnam is seeking to expand its cooperation with India with an apparent eye on its territorial dispute with China.

China is likely to react more strongly if Vietnam and India go ahead with their planned development.