The dispute over the South China Sea pits China against its smaller, weaker regional neighbours.

Vietnam is one of them, and right now there is a concerning flash point that could have deep, significant implications for the region.

Around Vietnam you find propaganda billboards denouncing China’s actions after it built a billion-dollar oil rig about 200 nautical miles off the Vietnamese coast.

It is condemnation that spilled out onto the streets in the most significant protests seen in the one-party state for many years.

Chinese nationals were forced to flee the country as their businesses were burned to the ground. Beijing says at least four of its nationals were killed.

Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-19/samantha-hawley-analysis-south-china-sea-dispute/5534252