Research on Legal Practice of Maritime Cooperation Between China and Vietnam

This paper examines the legal practice of maritime cooperation between China and Vietnam, with a focus on the regulatory frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and legal principles governing their collaboration. The foundation of this cooperation is built on both bilateral and regional frameworks, particularly the China-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and China-ASEAN maritime collaboration. Over the years, legal mechanisms and cooperation frameworks have been established, reinforced by extensive high-level consensus and steady progress in low-sensitivity maritime cooperation. However, significant legal challenges persist, particularly in defining maritime jurisdiction, resolving disputes, and coordinating policies. Given the growing importance of marine economic development and resource exploitation for China's economic growth, the study of China-Vietnam maritime cooperation is both timely and essential. While existing research largely focuses on China-ASEAN cooperation as a whole or specific maritime issues, there is relatively little systematic analysis of the current status and development of China-Vietnam maritime cooperation. A deeper understanding of bilateral cooperation trends is crucial for advancing pragmatic collaboration and safeguarding China’s maritime interests. From a legal perspective, China and Vietnam have established maritime cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, encompassing key areas such as shipping, fisheries, environmental protection, science and technology, and maritime delimitation. However, there remains a pressing need to enhance the overall intensity of cooperation and expand its scope. This paper explores the future prospects for China-Vietnam maritime cooperation, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive legal and strategic planning, the development of the Gulf of Tonkin as a pilot zone for legal experimentation, enhanced China-ASEAN legal coordination, and the role of legal discourse in shaping public and media narratives. Strengthening legal cooperation in maritime affairs will not only contribute to regional stability but also promote the rule of law in international maritime governance.