Protecting Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty through peaceful means according to international law - Practices and emerging issues

Abstract

Seas and islands are sacred, inviolable parts of the national territory, not only affirming sovereignty and territorial boundaries but also closely linked to cultural values, national spirit, serving as gateways to expand international exchange and cooperation. Protecting sea and island sovereignty is protecting national-ethnic interests, maintaining peace and stability for sustainable national development. Peace, friendship, cooperation for mutual development, solving disputes and conflicts by peaceful means on the basis of respecting the basic principles of the United Nations Charter and international law has always been the consistent, throughout policy of the Communist Party of Vietnam in building and protecting the Fatherland in general and protecting sea and island sovereignty in particular. This article focuses on clarifying the current situation and emerging issues for Vietnam’s work of protecting sea and island sovereignty by peaceful means in the current context.