Academic dialogue discusses 25 years of Gulf of Tonkin delimitation agreement
Jointly organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, the event served as a Track 2 dialogue between two leading academic institutions on the East Sea. It aimed to explore innovative ideas for building trust and promoting bilateral collaboration.
Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards conduct a joint patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – An academic dialogue was held in Hanoi on August 14, discussing lessons learned in 25 years since the Gulf of Tonkin delimitation agreement was signed between Vietnam and China as well as the future of bilateral maritime cooperation.
Jointly organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, the event served as a Track 2 dialogue between two leading academic institutions on the East Sea. It aimed to explore innovative ideas for building trust and promoting bilateral collaboration.
Participating former Vietnamese and Chinese experts and officials who had participated in the negotiation and signing process of the pact recalled the challenges overcome, as well as the determination and perseverance of both sides during the 26 years of negotiations – which began in 1974 – before the agreement was finally signed on December 25, 2000.
They shared a strong consensus on the historic significance of the agreement for bilateral relations and for ASEAN-China ties, recognising its important contribution to peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.
Both sides underscored that adherence to the high-level common perceptions reached by the two countries’ leaders, respect for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), relevant customs and practices, and the principle of equity, with consideration of all relevant circumstances, including natural geography and the livelihoods of people in the Gulf of Tonkin, were key factors in the success of the negotiation process.
Building on the lessons from the negotiation and signing, delegates discussed proposals and initiatives to advance bilateral maritime cooperation, providing input for relevant Vietnamese and Chinese agencies to study and implement in the future./.
Key events include high-level meetings between the commanders of the Vietnamese and Chinese patrol fleets, friendly sports exchanges between naval officers and sailors of both countries, and the countries’ 38th joint patrol in the Gulf’s waters.
Vietnam on March 7, 2025 deposited with the UN Secretary-General the chart showing straight baselines and outer limits of the territorial sea, as well as a list of geographic coordinates of points regarding the baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea of the mainland territory of Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Two vessels of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) on April 25 departed from the northern port city of Hai Phong for a joint patrol mission with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the vicinity of the countries’ demarcation line in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Local fishers are moving away from traditional fishing practices, strictly following offshore fishing regulations, logging each trip, and keeping monitoring equipment active at sea. Most vessels now report departures and returns on time, enabling closer oversight.
The bomb was discovered on June 14 during construction of an anti-erosion embankment along the Se Pon River, less than 70 metres from the border marker. It measured 1.54 metres in length and 274mm in diameter.
Over the past year, the Party and State have paid special attention to preserving and promoting Vietnamese abroad through supportive policies, book donations, teacher training, and the application of technology in teaching.
The 25th Vietnam International Mathematics Competition – VIMC 2025 will take place from August 14-19 in the central coastal city of Da Nang, with the participation of 526 contestants from 31 countries and territories.
Vietnam should adopt a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to addressing violence against women and children, particularly in the context of natural disasters and crises.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam has suffered more than 17,600 fires over the past five years, leaving 560 dead, 606 injured, and around 4 trillion VND (153.8 million USD) in damage.
An exhibition celebrating Vietnam’s achievements over the past 80 years, which will be held from August 28 to September 5 at the National Exposition Centre, a new landmark in Hanoi, is expected to become a cultural and political highlight of the year, inspiring public engagement across all sectors.
The HCM City Social Security Office has proposed to support 100% of health insurance premiums for people aged from 60 to under 75 years old who are not eligible for retirement or eligible for State budget sponsorship.
The main event will be held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, broadcast live on VTV1 channel, and connected online to educational and training institutions across the country.
The central city of Da Nang is working hard to have the European Commission (EC)'s IUU “yellow card” against seafood exports from Vietnam removed, while moving towards a modern, sustainable fishery sector.
Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with its own cultural identity, creating a unified and diverse culture. The spirit of great national solidarity is promoted by the entire Party, State and people throughout history, bringing about significant achievements.
At the time of the incident, strong winds and a rapidly receding tide were pushing the children further away, and after two attempts, the two Vietnamese successfully reached and rescued the children.
The campaign will run for 65 days, from August 13 to October 16, aiming to raise at least 65 billion VND (about 2.56 million USD) to help Cuba overcome difficulties and further strengthen the countries’ special friendship.
Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh recalled that in 2018, the Prime Minister approved a decision setting the first milestone for sustainable smart urban development nationwide. Nearly seven years on, the scheme has produced notable initial results.
Floodwaters destroyed or severely damaged 484 houses in Nghe An while agricultural land and infrastructure were also badly hit, with total damage estimated at 3.8 trillion VND (around 145 million USD).
More than 1,000 toilets will be available to serve visitors to Hanoi on this occasion, comprising 612 mobile facilities and 400 others at local agencies, schools, hospitals, cafes, and private homes.
The PM highlighted that competent sides must never trade aviation safety and security for any reason, stating no violation is minor and even small errors could habour the potential for catastrophic accidents.
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Yonhap News Agency will continue their information exchange while focusing on enhancing Yonhap's Vietnamese-language news service, a specialised product developed with the VNA's support.
While embracing modern technology, the Vietnam News Agency remains committed to upholding the core values of journalism — providing accurate, reliable, timely, diverse, and well-oriented public information, along with in-depth and strategic reference materials with strong analytical and forecasting value.