China and Vietnam Set to Tackle South China Sea Disputes Through Diplomacy
The recent joint declaration issued by China and Vietnam signifies a renewed commitment to peacefully resolve disputes in the South China Sea, demonstrating their shared dedication to maintaining stability and promoting constructive maritime cooperation. Both nations have pledged to engage in friendly consultations in an effort to better manage and mitigate tensions in the region.
The document, released at the conclusion of Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam’s official visit to China, underscores the shared desire to build a “China-Vietnam community of shared destiny with strategic significance”. This reaffirms the commitment made by Lam’s predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, and Chinese President Xi Jinping just last November.
During his visit, Lam met with President Xi in Beijing, marking his first foreign visit since assuming the role of general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party. The joint declaration issued after their meeting reiterates mutual interest in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, while also emphasizing the importance of seeking sustainable solutions through friendly consultations.
The declaration further highlights the need to adhere to existing maritime agreements between the two nations and international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China and Vietnam have agreed to refrain from actions that may exacerbate existing disputes and complicate the situation, thus signaling a commitment to responsible and peaceful engagement.
In addition to the joint declaration, China and Vietnam have expressed a desire to accelerate talks on maritime delimitation in the Gulf of Tonkin and to effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Furthermore, they are actively cooperating on various maritime issues, including the conservation of biological resources and humanitarian search and rescue efforts in the region.
It is important to note that while the DOC serves as a non-binding guideline for peaceful dispute resolution, the ongoing negotiation of the Code of Conduct (COC) aims to establish a legally binding framework to regulate behaviors in the disputed waters. The completion of the COC negotiations will have significant implications for China and the Asean countries involved in the South China Sea disputes.
The South China Sea has long been a source of complex and unresolved disputes, with both China and Vietnam staking extensive claims in the resource-rich waters and constructing artificial islands to reinforce their control. Historical conflicts over territories such as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands, coupled with ongoing incidents related to oil and gas development and fishery rights, have contributed to heightened tensions in the region.
Moreover, while the Philippines has experienced escalating tensions with China in recent years, Vietnam has adopted a more diplomatic approach, emphasizing cooperation with its Chinese counterparts. This strategic stance reflects the Vietnamese Communist Party’s commitment to fostering constructive engagement and dialogue with China.
In conclusion, the joint declaration between China and Vietnam signifies a pivotal step towards effectively managing South China Sea disputes through diplomacy and peaceful means. The commitment to friendly consultations and adherence to established international laws and agreements underscores a shared dedication to maintaining stability and promoting constructive maritime cooperation. As discussions continue and efforts to implement the COC progress, the resolution of South China Sea disputes may indeed be within reach.
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