Analysing Current Cooperative Relationship in the Vietnam - China Land Border Area

Abstract

The land border area between Vietnam and China holds a critical position for the sovereignty and relationship between the two countries. Because regardless of the national territory, some ethnic groups living here have same-ethnic relations, and there are still similarities in language and culture. During the Doi Moi period of Vietnam and the Reform and opening up in China since the normalisation of the two countries’ relations in 1991, the opening and cooperation in border areas have created favourable conditions for socio-economic development. Associations and ethnic ties between the two borders have turned over a new leaf. With the permission of the Governments of Vietnam and China, since the early 2000s, Guangxi and Yunnan - the two provinces of China - and the northern border provinces of Vietnam, including Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lai Chau have built a regular dialogue and cooperation mechanism at the provincial, district and commune levels. This has helped the Vietnam - China land border region to promote its strengths in economic development, trade, cultural exchange, tourism and security. On that basis, it has contributed to strengthening the traditional relationship between the ethnic groups on both sides and the Vietnam - China partnership in the new context. However, many shortcomings still make this area unable to keep up with the actual developmental situation. This article reviews the current situation and highlights the shortcomings by analysing the favourable and challenging context of the Vietnam - China land border. Based on that, the author would like to argue that the development cooperation between localities of the two countries over the past time is not only on economy and trade, but also the promotion of cultural exchanges between ethnic groups to build a border area of friendship, prosperity, and security. Thereby, new opportunities can be found to promote stability and future development in this area.