Hanoi's charges 'irresponsible'

Expert: Philippines, Vietnam form front to challenge China on territory

Beijing slammed Hanoi on Thursday for "making irresponsible accusations" against China on the international stage, following Vietnam's decision a day earlier to consider pursuing legal action over China's islands in the South China Sea.

The issue is being internationalized and complicated, observers said, as Vietnam may align with the Philippines and follow Manila's example and file a case at an international court, a development one analyst said indicated a "front" was being formed against China.