Maritime Delimitation in the Gulf of Tonkin is Too Important to be Ignored

A recent workshop organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in Ha Long City, Vietnam, highlighted the importance of maritime delimitation and fishery co-operation in the Gulf of Tonkin. It also served as a platform to discuss the implementation of the agreements and ways to expand and deepen co-operation in and around the Gulf. Both China and Vietnam recognize the significance of developments relating to the Gulf of Tonkin and consider the agreement on delimitation of the maritime border in the Gulf as a major achievement in managing disputes between the two countries. Unfortunately, this achievement has not yet received the international recognition it deserves. This article will explore some of the reasons why there is a lack of both recognition and attention to the positive developments in the Gulf of Tonkin.