London launches deterrence campaign in Vietnam. 4,244 of these perilous crossings across one of the busiest straits in the world have been recorded since the start of the year, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year.
The government hopes to dissuade candidates from making these crossings, by relaying stories of the dire conditions on board the overloaded boats. A meeting between British and Vietnamese officials to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries is to be held in London on April 17.