From 1956 on, in the face of Chinese and Philippine opposition, the Republic of Vietnam Navy began to launch various operations to reassert control over the Spratly Islands.

[4] On 20 May 1963, the Republic of Vietnam Navy landed on Amboyna Cay and rebuilt the sovereignty stele.

However, the markers were subsequently destroyed by Vietnam People's Navy who has returned and occupied the cay since 10 March 1978.

[7] In 1982, a Singapore yacht operated by the owner and his wife transporting four German hams on a DX-pedition to Amboyna Cay was fired upon by Vietnamese forces.

Another ham, Gero Band, died of thirst the day before the survivors were rescued by a passing Japanese freighter which took them to Hong Kong.