TERRITORIAL

DISPUTES
VIETNAM
 Outline

Introduction

Strengths & Weaknesses

Vietnam Territorial Disputes

Conclusion

State/ASEAN Responses
 Introduction

Vietnam-Cambodia
South China Sea Dispute
Border Conflict
The South China Sea dispute, involving multiple Another territorial dispute concerns the Vietnam-
nations and China, centers on China's historical claim Cambodia Border Conflict. These neighboring
to the entire South China Sea. Vietnam, however, countries share a complex relationship and have yet
asserts historical control over the Paracels and the to resolve their demarcation rights, leading to border
Spratly Islands since the 17th century. This conflict has disputes. Military forces have been observed in
led to significant military clashes, with casualties on disputed areas, raising concerns about potential
both sides. Notably, in 1974, Chinese forces seized the violence. Both Vietnam and Cambodia are member
Paracel Islands from Vietnam, resulting in 70 states of ASEAN, amplifying the importance of
Vietnamese soldier casualties. Another battle in 1988 resolving this conflict (Kwok, 2022).
claimed the lives of 60 more Vietnamese soldiers (BBC
News, 2023).
 Vietnam
Territorial Disputes

The relationship between Vietnam and China is marked by complex The Vietnam-Cambodia dispute threatens both nations and concerns
territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea. China, with ASEAN, as both are member states. On June 8, 2015, violence erupted
its formidable military power, has been involved in repeated between Cambodian activists, police, and Vietnamese villagers near
incidents of illegal entry into Vietnamese territory. Notably, in 2017, their undemarcated border. Cambodian police intervened, but the use
China issued threats against Vietnamese outposts in the Spratlys. of violence was disapproved by the Cambodian interior ministry. A
In 2019, a four-month standoff occurred in the same region, only 2003 EAC News report highlighted former Prime Minister Hun Sen's
de-escalating when Vietnam withdrew a drilling rig. These disputes warning to border provinces after attacks on Vietnamese police
are primarily driven by the desire to access valuable natural stations resulted in nine deaths. Undemarcated areas continue to raise
resources and fishing areas. safety concerns for both Vietnamese and Cambodian populations. 84%
of the areas are demarcated recently.

Vietnam-Cambodia
South China Sea Dispute
Border Conflict
 ASEAN RESPONSE:
Cambodia-Vietnam
Border Dispute
ASEAN has played a role in facilitating discussions
between Vietnam and Cambodia to address their
border disputes.

This involvement aims to prevent the escalation

of the dispute into a larger conflict and to
promote peace and stability in the region.

ASEAN is actively working on a Code of Conduct

for the South China Sea, which includes the
disputed territories involving Vietnam and
Cambodia.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to prevent

and resolve disputes peacefully, but progress has
been slow. Its effectiveness in addressing the
Vietnam-Cambodia border dispute remains
uncertain.
 ASEAN RESPONSE:
South China Sea
Dispute
Reflects a complex interplay of political,
economic, and strategic factors within the
organization.

Initial challenges in forming a unified stance

due to non-interference principles.

Influence of member states' economic ties,

particularly with China.

Resulting in a more cautious stance regarding

the Vietnam-China Sea dispute.
 STATE RESPONSE:
Cambodia-Vietnam Border Dispute
Vietnam and Cambodia have held closed-door meetings to address border disputes, but they often
reach an impasse in delineating their common border.

Both countries have agreed to complete border demarcation since 2006 to ensure peace and stability.

Vietnam, seeking legal and international assistance, is drafting a letter to request technical support
from the French government to resolve the border dispute.
 STATE RESPONSE:
South China Sea Dispute

Vietnam is considering legal action through UNCLOS to challenge China's territorial claims in the South
China Sea. This approach may take time and has uncertain outcomes.

Vietnam collaborates with other ASEAN nations to denounce China's actions in the South China Sea,
showing a willingness to work with others on this issue.

Vietnam asserts its sovereignty over disputed territories, citing historical control over the Paracels and
the Spratly Islands. This assertion is based on centuries of historical evidence, aiming to deter further
Chinese intrusions.
 Cambodia-Vietnam
Border Dispute
Strengths
Diplomatic Engagement: Closed-door
meetings demonstrate willingness for
diplomatic discussion.
Agreement for Border Demarcation: Both
nations aim to complete border
demarcation for peace and stability.
Seeking International Assistance:
Vietnam's draft letter to the French
government signals a proactive approach
and openness to legal and international
help for a fair resolution.

Weaknesses
Previous Deadlocks: Past discussions
frequently ended without an agreement,
posing a significant challenge in finding
common ground.
Lack of Transparency: Vietnam's
avoidance of media discussions may
suggest a lack of transparency, potentially
leading to speculation and mistrust,
despite possible sensitivity concerns.
South China Sea
Dispute
Strengths
Diverse Approaches: Vietnam employs a
range of strategies, including potential legal
action through UNCLOS, demonstrating
flexibility in seeking resolution.
Collaborative Diplomacy: Vietnam's
cooperation with ASEAN nations signals a
willingness to work collectively on the South
China Sea issue, bolstering their negotiating
position.
Historical Assertions: Vietnam's reliance on
historical evidence strengthens their claims
to disputed territories, providing a solid legal
foundation.

Weaknesses
Time-Intensive Legal Process: Pursuing
legal action through UNCLOS is a lengthy
process, potentially leading to prolonged
uncertainty in resolving the dispute.

Historical Interpretations: Depending

heavily on historical claims may face
challenges, as interpretations of historical
evidence can vary, potentially
complicating resolution efforts.
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