Vietnam’s South China Sea Policy Since The Entry Into Force Of The Law Of The Sea Of Vietnam

The Law of the Sea of Vietnam highlights the sovereignty of Vietnam on Xisha Islands and Nansha Islands,which seriously damages China’s inherent maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.At the same time,the law also encourages foreign forces to participate in the cooperation and development of resources in the South China Sea,which makes the situation in the South China Sea more complicated.The Law of the Sea of Vietnam provides domestic law support for Vietnam to seek more interests in the Xisha Islands and the Nansha Islands.In addition,on the basis of the Law of the Sea of Vietnam,Vietnam has strengthened its legal claim,continued to improve its marine legal system,vigorously developed its marine economy,enhanced its national marine awareness,and further promoted the internationalization of the South China Sea issue.Since the Law of the Sea of Vietnam came into effect,the characteristics of Vietnam’s South China Sea policy have also changed.First of all,on the basis of maintaining the fundamental interest of "sovereignty",Vietnam began to carry out a phased strategic contraction——one step back today for two steps forward tomorrow,focusing on consolidating its vested interests.Secondly,Vietnam has taken a number of measures,not only vigorously develop the economy,but also pay attention to safeguarding the territorial sovereignty.At the same time,it constantly strengthen the national defense forces,so as to make the policy content more diverse.Finally,there are two sides to its attitude towards China,that is,it has close economic and political contacts,but secretly unites various forces to fight against China.The change of Vietnam’s South China Sea policy is influenced by many factors.From the Asia-Pacific Rebalance of the Obama administration to the Indo-Pacific strategy of the Trump administration,the United States has emphasized the importance of the South China Sea in its national strategy,hoping to maintain unimpeded access to the South China Sea.Due to the shortage of local resources,Japan attaches great importance to the South China Sea route,which is the"lifeline of the sea",and hopes to enhance its regional influence with the help of the South China Sea issue.In addition,India’s "Act east police" policy and Russia’s need for energy cooperation have also make these two countriesturn more and more attention to the South China Sea.At the same time,as Vietnam’s neighbor,China’s comprehensive national strength is growing,which makes Vietnam feel "threatened".The rapid growth of Vietnam’s economic strength also provides material guarantee for Vietnam to create disputes and seek more "territory" and "sovereignty" in the South China Sea.The adjustment of Vietnam’s South China Sea policy makes this issue more complicated,increases the factors of regional instability,and affects the relations between China and Vietnam.All these are not conducive to the peaceful settlement of the South China Sea issue.China should respond promptly to the adverse situation caused by it and make relevant facts and evidence to prove that the Xisha and Nansha Islands are the inherent territory of our country and win the support of international public opinion.In addition,when dealing with the South China Sea friction between China and Vietnam,we can learn from the joint development model of China and the Philippines to create a win-win situation.