South China Sea Cooperation: History and Prospects

On December 12th and 13th, 2012, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) and the Regional Academy of Politics and Administration III, co-organized a national scientific conference on the theme: Cooperation in the South China Sea: History and Prospects. The conference was attended by representatives of scientists from all three regions of Vietnam, with a total of 55 presentations. The conference was divided into two subcommittees. Subcommittee 1: Cooperation in the South China Sea: Historical Issues. First, historical documents affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. Among the 56 maps from the 16th to 19th centuries, recorded by Westerners, all show the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as belonging to Vietnamese territory. At the same time, these maps also indicate that the furthest island belonging to China is Hainan Island. The records in Western maps coincide with the geographical research in the official histories of the Chinese empire from the Han to the Qing dynasties. Secondly, researchers unanimously affirm that, with over 3000km of coastline, Vietnam is a maritime nation. The sea is the living space of the Vietnamese people throughout history, an inseparable and sacred part of the homeland. On Ly Son Island, there are still temples and tombs of families and clans, and descendants who have clung to the sea and islands for thousands of years to protect the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. Researchers suggest learning from the experience of feudal states, utilizing the experienced seafarers of the region to report on the sea, cling to the islands, and protect the sea and islands. Thirdly, researchers demonstrate that China, historically, was never a maritime power. Confucianism, Legalism, and agriculture were the ideological and economic foundations of ancient China. Only since the reform and opening up has China harbored ambitions to monopolize the South China Sea for its own development interests. Subcommittee 2: South China Sea Cooperation: Current Situation and Prospects. In this subcommittee, discussions and opinions focused on the following issues: the changing geostrategic environment of the South China Sea related to the rise of China; the roles of countries involved in the South China Sea dispute such as the US, Japan, India, and ASEAN; prospects for resolving conflicts in the South China Sea; and Vietnam's perspective. While differing opinions persist, there is a consensus that Vietnam must strengthen cooperation, leverage the advisory capacity and knowledge and technology support of the international community, enhance foreign relations and international cooperation, manage and develop its economy sustainably, and promote the academic study of the South China Sea issue to reduce tensions, misunderstandings, and gain international support. The biggest challenge is the formation of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) because the parties have very different views on territorial issues, sovereignty, or maritime institutions. In the short term, ASEAN must quickly advance the process of completing the COC and reduce tensions in relations in the South China Sea. Achieving this requires restraint and cooperation from all parties. Before a definitive solution is found, confidence-building measures are needed, such as increasing exchanges and discussions at the informal level to reduce tensions, enhance mutual trust, establish action-level hotlines between the navies and coast guard units of countries in the region, agree on notification of exercises in the South China Sea, and facilitate search and rescue operations. Disputing countries must avoid expanding their occupation and ideally maintain the status quo. The goal is to enhance crisis management capabilities and lay the groundwork for an agreement on rules and procedures for future conflict resolution. Despite the challenges posed by conflicting claims in the South China Sea, it must be acknowledged that China is currently a major driving force for the development of Southeast Asia and ASEAN, thus peace and stability must continue to be ensured. As a rising power with an increasing global presence, managing relations with China well will have a significant impact on other regions and globally. Therefore, Vietnam needs to be more proactive and assertive in cooperating with countries in the region to achieve peaceful resolution of conflicts. As an educational and research institution, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will continue to strengthen its academic exchanges, training, and research activities, contributing to mutual understanding and trust.