Vietnam announces baseline for determining territorial waters width in Gulf of Tonkin
The Vietnamese Government issued on February 21 a declaration establishing the baseline for measuring the breadth of Vietnam's territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Vietnam Coast Guards patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Government issued♍ on February 21 a declaration establishing the baseline for measuring the breadth of Vietnam's territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The declaration, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows Resolution No. 68/NQ-UBTVQH15 dated February 14, 2025 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.
The establishment of the baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin aims to excercise Vietnam's rights and obligations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and aligns with the 2012 Law of the Sea of Vietnam.
The baseline is determined in accordance with UNCLOS provisions, taking into account the Gulf of Tonkin's geographical and natural characteristics while ensuring compliance with international treaties that Vietnam is a party or member.
It serves as a legal foundation for defining Vietnam’s maritime boundaries and the extent of its maritime areas in line with the UNCLOS and the agreement on the delimitation of the Gulf of Tonkin between Vietnam and China signed in 2000. It provides a robust legal framework for protecting and excercising Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, serving economic development and maritime management, and promoting international cooperation./.
The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and its Chinese counterpart on December 24 conducted the fourth joint patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Mong Cai city in the northern province of Quang Ninh and Dongxing city in China's Guangxi province.
Vietnam resolutely and persistently pursues measures in line with international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over its territorial waters, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on November 21.
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Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
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The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
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Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
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The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
