Vietnam’s border and national territory work: 2024 Review and 2025 Forecast
WVR - In the context of ongoing complex global and regional developments, Vietnam’s foreign affairs have achieved remarkable accomplishments. Among these, border and national territory work has made significant contributions in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development in this new era, affirmed Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu in his article reviewing border and territorial affairs. The World and Vietnam Report is pleased to present this article to our readers.
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| Vietnam’s border and national territory work: On April 3, 2024, as part of his official visit to China, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn conducted a field survey on the pilot operation of the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) – Detian (China) Waterfall Scenic Area. Joining the survey was Vice Chairman of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) Liao Pinhu (second from the left). (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
It can be said that in 2024, under the close guidance and direction of leaders at all levels, along with the effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors, and localities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has actively and proactively carried out border and territorial work effectively, both on land and at sea.
Land Borders in Stability, Cooperation, and Development
The land borders between Vietnam and its three neighboring nations have remained stable. The borderlines and national markers have been well maintained, social security in border areas has been ensured, and cross-border cooperation and development have continued to advance. Among the many achievements in land border management over the past year, three major highlights stand out:
First, effectively manage and protect borderlines and markers while maintaining security and order in border areas. Emerging border-related incidents have been promptly addressed to prevent escalation into larger conflicts. With China, both sides have continued to manage the border in accordance with the three legal documents on land border management. With Laos, both parties have actively engaged in discussions, reviewing and refining certain provisions of the 2016 Agreement on Border Management and Border Gates between Vietnam and Laos. With Cambodia, both sides have effectively handled emerging border issues.
Second, in line with the diplomatic approach of supporting development, localities, businesses, and the people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proactively implemented initiatives to promote cooperation and development in border regions. In 2024, significant progress was made in opening and upgrading border gates along the entire land border, enhancing connectivity, trade, and economic development. With China, one bilateral border gate (Hoanh Mo – Dongzhong) was officially opened, internal procedures for another bilateral border gate (A Pa Chai - Longfu) were completed, four cargo transportation routes in Quang Ninh and Lang Son provinces were opened or put into operation, and four border crossings were reopened. With Laos, a new international border gate pair (Long Sap - Pa Hang) was inaugurated. With Cambodia, a new international border gate pair for both road and river transport (Thuong Phuoc - Kaoh Roka) was officially opened.
The promotion of economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as friendly exchanges and development collaboration in border areas, also saw significant achievements in 2024. Notably, the successful pilot implementation and official operation of the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) - Detian (China) Waterfall Scenic Area and the pilot construction of a smart border gate model at the Huu Nghi - Youyi Guan international border gate marked key milestones.
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| Vietnam’s border and national territory work: Delegates cut the ribbon at the inauguration ceremony of the Long Sap (Vietnam) – Pa Hang (Laos) International Border Gate pair on November 19, 2024. (Photo: National Border Committee) |
Third, bilateral coordination mechanisms for land border management between Vietnam and its three neighboring countries have functioned smoothly, effectively addressing border-related matters. In 2024, Vietnam and China jointly organized activities to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Border Treaty signing and the 15th anniversary of the three legal documents on land border management, further strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.Vietnam also continued negotiations with Cambodia to resolve unmarked border sections, while maintaining meetings and field surveys related to border affairs.
Maintaining a Peaceful Maritime Environment
In 2024, following the directives of national leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked closely with relevant ministries, sectors, and local authorities to proactively, flexibly, and effectively implement political, diplomatic, legal, and public information measures to firmly protect Vietnam’s sovereignty, rights, and interests at sea. This effort yielded six key achievements:
First, Vietnam has maintained a stable maritime situation, promoted cooperation, better controlled and resolved disagreements, and advanced mechanisms for maritime delimitation negotiations and the negotiation of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. At the same time, Vietnam has enhanced dialogue and exchanges on cooperation aspects, contributing to building trust, fostering mutual understanding, sustaining friendly relations, and preserving a peaceful and stable maritime environment.
Second, Vietnam has resolutely and persistently opposed foreign encroachments on its continental shelf and exclusive economic zone while conducting numerous bilateral exchanges and negotiations with relevant countries. Special attention has been given to fishermen and fisheries-related issues, ensuring Vietnam’s sovereignty is upheld, protecting the legitimate interests of its fishermen, and preventing negative impacts on the country’s foreign relations with relevant nations.
Third, the system of legal documents and records on border and national territory has been increasingly consolidated. After many years, Vietnam has submitted a Submission on the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in the Central Area of the East Sea to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shel, marking Vietnam's full public disclosure of its claims on the extended continental shelf in the East Sea, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Fourth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has actively and effectively supported ministries, sectors, and localities in promoting sustainable marine economic development in accordance with Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW of the Party Central Committee on Vietnam's strategy for sustainable marine economic development until 2030, with a vision to 2045. This includes the development of marine spatial planning, laying the foundation for rapid and sustainable marine economic growth, and contributing to the development of strong marine economic sectors, gradually transforming Vietnam into a prosperous and powerful maritime nation.
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| Vietnam’s border and national territory work: On July 17 (local time), 2024, at the United Nations headquarter in New York, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation, officially presented the Submission of Vietnam’s extended continental shelf in respect of Central Area of the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). (Photo: VNA) |
Fifth, international cooperation has been actively and proactively promoted. Over the past year, dialogue and exchange channels on maritime issues with other countries have been conducted extensively.. At multilateral forums, Vietnam’s representatives have engaged in discussions on marine and ocean-related matters, reaffirming Vietnam’s role as an active and responsible member of the international community in managing and sustainably utilizing marine resources. In 2024, for the first time, Vietnam has nominated a candidate for the position of Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term, demonstrating Vietnam’s strong commitment to international law and its desire to promote the implementation of UNCLOS 1982 and international law.
Sixth, in 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs closely coordinated with the Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, the Ministry of Information and Communications, and various news agencies and media outlets to enhance information dissemination and public awareness on maritime and island-related issues. Numerous seminars, conferences, and training sessions were organized, timely providing information, responding to National Assembly deputies and voters’concerns regarding border and national territorial issues. These efforts have contributed to fostering positive public opinion, strengthening internal consensus, and effectively contributing to the implementation of sea and island work.
Towards a New Era of the Nation’s Rise
In 2025, the global and regional landscape is expected to continue experiencing significant fluctuations, with opportunities and challenges intertwined. These dynamics will pose numerous issues for Vietnam’s efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its legitimate rights and interests at sea. Meanwhile, the land borders between Vietnam and China, Laos, and Cambodia are expected to remain fundamentally stable, facilitating border management and fostering peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable border regions. However, it is essential to continue addressing outstanding issues and emerging border-related incidents to ensure security and order along the borders.
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| Vietnam’s border and national territory work: Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu. (Photo: WVR) |
For Vietnam, 2025 is a pivotal year as the nation reviews the implementation of the resolutions from the 13th National Party Congress, holds Party Congresses at all levels, and prepares for the 14th National Party Congress—ushering in a new era of the nation’s rise. In this strategic context, both domestically and internationally, border and national territorial work needs to focus on implementing the following key directions and tasks:
First, strengthening close coordination with ministries, sectors, and local authorities to effectively maintain bilateral mechanisms for border management cooperation with neighboring countries. This includes firmly safeguarding national borders and border markers, improving the legal frameworks on border issues, promoting negotiations to resolve uncompleted demarcation areas, and swiftly detect and handle border incidents. These efforts aim to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity while fostering a peaceful, friendly, and cooperative border environment.
Second, continuing to implement effectively solutions for promoting socio-economic development, cooperation, investment, and cross-border trade. Efforts should also focus on enhancing the efficiency of implementation of agreements and commitments while proactively advancing cooperative development initiatives in border areas.
Third, closely monitoring the situation, proactively proposing measures to defend Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and legitimate interests at sea. It is crucial to actively promote negotiations and exchanges to effectively resolve existing maritime issues with relevant countries and further enhance maritime cooperation, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment at sea.
Fourth, intensifying efforts in implementing sea and island work to support Vietnam’s sustainable marine economic development strategy in line with Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW (2018). Additionally, it is necessary to further promote international cooperation to leverage resources and gain support from international partners and friendly nations for Vietnam’s border and territorial work.
Fifth, strengthening coordination with relevant agencies to sustain and innovate communication and information dissemination on border and national territory work, ensuring timely, comprehensive, and effective public outreach.
Translate by Thai Nguyen
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