China and Vietnam Deepen Maritime Cooperation, Setting a Regional Model
In a significant development, China and Vietnam have significantly expanded their maritime cooperation, showcasing a model of regional stability in a region often marked by tension. The eighth high-level meeting between the china Coast Guard (CCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard, held in Hanoi from December 16-21, 2024, yielded ample agreements on enhanced collaboration.
China Coast Guard (CCG) call on leaders of Vietnamese Defense Ministry. (Photo by CCG)”>
Both sides committed too strengthening joint efforts against illegal activities at sea, including drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration. They also pledged to improve communication during emergencies and to work together to maintain regional security and stability. A source familiar with the discussions stated, “The two sides also agreed to enhance data exchange in combating maritime drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal immigration, and other criminal activities, and regularly carry out synchronized law enforcement actions in the Beibu Gulf region.”
The cooperation extends beyond bilateral efforts. Both nations vowed to support each other in multilateral forums, aiming to showcase their successful partnership as a model for other countries in the region. The source further revealed that since the start of 2024, the two coast guards have engaged in regular information sharing, including monthly updates on illegal fishing vessels, effectively establishing a robust framework for cooperation.
Looking ahead, the two countries plan to further refine their collaboration. They agreed to utilize existing communication channels to improve coordination on issues such as notifying each other about illegal fishing vessels and developing joint patrol plans.Sub-regional level talks are scheduled for 2025.
the symbolic exchange of gifts—a Vietnamese bronze drum and a Chinese knot—highlighted the cultural exchange accompanying the strengthened security partnership. Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, offered outlook on the significance of this cooperation, stating, “Despite some differences between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea, both sides have managed to effectively control these differences in order to safeguard their shared interests. consequently, they have not allowed these conflicts to escalate. China-Vietnam exchanges and cooperation have become a model in this regard.”
In contrast to the China-Vietnam approach, gu highlighted the Philippines’ decision to involve external forces, particularly the U.S., in managing South China Sea disputes, particularly around Huangyan Dao. This, Gu noted, has “contributed to tensions in the region and to a setback in China-Philippines relations.”
Beyond the high-level meetings, the CCG delegation engaged in further discussions with Vietnamese officials on fisheries management and emergency response. They also participated in the ”Vietnam Coast Guard and Friends” exchange, engaging with counterparts from Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to discuss broader regional security concerns.
The strengthened China-Vietnam maritime partnership underscores a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations to manage regional differences effectively. As Gu emphasized, “China and most Southeast Asian countries hope to effectively manage differences on the South China Sea issue. They aim to prevent these differences from escalating and affecting the peace and stability of the South China Sea and the surrounding region. This reflects the consensus reached between China and ASEAN on this matter.”
China and Vietnam Chart a New Course: maritime Cooperation as a Model for Regional Stability
Amidst ongoing tensions in the South china sea, a promising advancement has emerged: China and Vietnam have deepened their maritime cooperation, setting a potential model for regional stability. Experts believe these strengthened ties signal a deliberate effort to manage differences and prioritize shared interests for the benefit of both countries and the broader region.
Can you elaborate on the recent agreements reached between China and Vietnam’s Coast Guards?
Absolutely. This past December marked a significant moment in china-Vietnam relations. The eighth high-level meeting between the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Vietnamese coast Guard, held in Hanoi, resulted in numerous agreements focused on bolstering maritime cooperation. Key areas include stepping up joint efforts to combat illicit activities at sea – think drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal fishing. They also committed to enhancing communication during emergencies and working together to ensure regional security and stability.
How dose this cooperation transcend bilateral efforts?
This partnership goes beyond just the two countries involved. Both China and Vietnam have expressed a strong commitment to supporting each other in multilateral forums.Their goal is to showcase this prosperous collaboration as a model for other nations in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the benefits of managing differences peacefully and constructively through dialog.
What are some of the tangible outcomes already noticeable from this enhanced cooperation?
We’ve already seen positive results.As the beginning of 2024, the two Coast Guards have been actively sharing details, including regular monthly updates on illegal fishing vessels. This kind of consistent information exchange has created a robust framework for cooperation and demonstrated a serious commitment to tackling shared challenges. Going forward, they plan to further refine this collaboration by improving coordination on issues like sharing information about illegal fishing vessels and developing joint patrol plans.
How does the China-Vietnam model contrast with other approaches to managing disputes in the South China sea?
the contrast is stark. While China and Vietnam have chosen to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, managing their differences effectively, others, like the Philippines, have opted to involve external forces, notably the United States, in navigating South China Sea disputes.This approach, especially regarding issues around Huangyan Dao, has unluckily contributed to regional tensions and strained relations. The China-Vietnam model demonstrates a more constructive path towards regional stability.
What wider implications does this growing partnership hold for the Southeast Asian region?
This strengthened partnership sets a positive precedent.It highlights a growing trend amongst Southeast Asian nations towards managing regional differences maturely and effectively. Both China and most Southeast Asian countries recognize the importance of preventing disputes from escalating and jeopardizing the peace and stability of the South China sea and surrounding regions. The demonstrable success of the China-Vietnam partnership could encourage other nations to adopt this same approach, leading to a more cooperative and stable regional environment.
