Malaysia has objected to Vietnam's actions regarding the expansion of coral reefs in the South China Sea which are claimed by both countries.
The move highlights yet another dispute in the region, which is already notorious for overlapping claims.
This conflict does not involve China, but this time between Malaysia and Vietnam.
The area in question is the Spratly Islands, a group of small islands and coral reefs claimed by several countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and others.
Recently, Malaysia sent a letter to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in October, expressing concern about Vietnam's expansion of Canada's Barque Reef.
Satellite images show that Vietnam has built infrastructure there, and reports say an airstrip is being added.
This situation is unusual because Malaysia and Vietnam do not often have direct disputes over land.
However, Malaysia often talks about Vietnamese fishing boats entering its waters without permission, sometimes leading to arrests.
The Spratly Islands have seen countries build structures to solidify their claims and show that people can live on this small piece of land.
While China's activity is most visible, with new islands being built from coral reefs and equipped with runways and defense systems, recent exchanges between Malaysia and Vietnam add another layer to the ongoing issues in the region.
