Some Issues on Current Vietnam-China Cross-border Ethnic Relations

Abstract

The Vietnam-China border area constitutes the primary habitation for numerous ethnic groups, each belonging to distinct linguistic factions and sharing enduring historical connections. Many of these groups possess ethnic counterparts and relatives residing on the opposite side of the border, resulting in the establishment and augmentation of cross-border ethnic relationships. By elucidating the present state of ethnic minority relations across the Vietnam-China border, this article illustrates that the burgeoning interconnections offer ample opportunities for mutual assistance in production development, trade exchange, labour migration, marriage, and cultural interchange. However, a significant number of border crossings contravene the legal regulations pertaining to border management and safeguarding in both Vietnam and China. Consequently, prevailing issues persist within the extant crossborder ethnic relations in the Northern border, necessitating resolution. Concurrently, it is imperative to implement more pertinent policies in the contemporary economic restructuring landscape, aimed at generating employment, fostering ethnic cultural values, fortifying national culture for advancement, and ensuring political security and territorial defence in border regions. Drawing upon synthesised field data from October to November 2022 and March 2023 in the provinces of Quang Ninh, Cao Bang, and Lao Cai, and referencing other published research findings, the article delineates various facets and current quandaries of Vietnam-China cross-border ethnic relations.