After the redesign of Toutiao, new ads are unlocked, and you can click on the upper right corner to close 5 seconds after the ad starts, and you can continue reading
Looking back on the long history, the relationship between China and Vietnam is like a pair of neighbors who drink the same river water, and when Viet Nam suffered from severe drought, it was China that extended a helping hand and solved Viet Nam's urgent needs. When Viet Nam faced an economic crisis, Chinese enterprises invested and built factories in Viet Nam, providing a large number of employment opportunities for local residents and driving Viet Nam's economic growth.
However, Viet Nam was ungrateful and backstabbed China. As recently as July 17, Viet Nam submitted a submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limitation of the Continental Shelf in South China Overseas Continental Shelf without authorization, and some islands of China's Nansha Islands were also included. Viet Nam can provoke China's "main artery" this time.
Information source: Wendao practice - heavy! Viet Nam made a big fuss this time, seriously hurting the feelings of the Chinese, and the consequences were very serious
Trouble in Viet Nam!
It is reported that on July 17, 2024, the Viet Nam government submitted to the United Nations a controversial plan for the delimitation of the continental shelf in the South China Sea, which is special in that it boldly includes part of the territory of China's Nansha Islands, which undoubtedly touches China's core interests.
Viet Nam's actions not only challenge the existing geopolitical landscape, but also put in danger the friendly relations that China and Vietnam have painstakingly managed for many years. It seems to be trying to redefine the geopolitical map of the South China Sea in an attempt to gain greater interest for itself in this disputed sea.
Viet Nam move has not only shaken the friendly relations that China and Vietnam have established over the years, but also brought new challenges to peace Viet Nam and stability in the South China Sea.
China-Vietnam relations are complex
China and Vietnam are both close neighbors and trading partners. In recent years, economic cooperation between the two countries has sprung up and flourished.
Since 2004, China has become Viet Nam's largest trading partner, opening a new chapter in the vigorous development of economic and trade relations between the two countries. In the past 20 years, the trade volume between China and Vietnam has soared from US$6.7 billion in 2004 to US$171.2 billion in 2023, an astonishing 24.6 times.
The year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of an all-round strategic cooperative relationship between China and Vietnam, and the friendship between the two countries is becoming more and more fragrant like fine wine. Entering 2024, China-Vietnam trade will exceed the US$230 billion mark, setting a new historical record.
Viet Nam's agricultural products are very popular in the Chinese market and have become frequent customers on the tables of many Chinese consumers. Fruits such as durian, mango, longan, and lychee are fragrant and mouth-watering.
The brightness of dragon fruit, the sweetness of mangosteen, and the unique aroma of jackfruit all tempt the taste buds of Chinese diners. The popularity of these agricultural products not only enriches the table of Chinese, but also gives Viet Nam farmers a taste of sweetness and contributes to their well-off life.
However, economic and trade cooperation has not always been smooth sailing, and in April 2023, Viet Nam was hit by a severe drought, which caused the water level of hydropower plants to plummet and power generation plummeted. The northern industrial park has been shut down, and the production of dozens of companies, including Samsung, Panasonic, Hon Hai Foxconn, etc., has been affected. At the critical moment, Viet Nam once again extended a hand to China for help.
In May 2023, Guangxi and Viet Nam reached a power supply agreement for the 110 kV Shengou-Mong Cai cross-border power interconnection project, alleviating Viet Nam's urgent needs. This act of kindness not only demonstrates China's sense of responsibility as a responsible major country, but also reflects the neighborly friendship between the two countries.
With the economic prosperity, Chinese enterprises have invested and set up factories in Vietnam not only to create jobs, but also to import advanced technology and management. The rise of Viet Nam's manufacturing industry is inseparable from the contribution of Chinese enterprises. In 2023, Viet Nam's per capita GDP will reach US$4,323, more than 1.7 times that of India (US$2,500) in the same period.
Viet Nam also favors China's high-speed rail technology, and has repeatedly expressed its hope to build a high-speed railway connecting the north and the south with China's help. This wish reflects Viet Nam's recognition of China's scientific and technological strength, and also outlines a beautiful blueprint for future cooperation between the two countries in the field of infrastructure.
At the same time, economic cooperation stands in stark contrast to territorial disputes. On the one hand, the two countries have been in extraordinary contact with each other in the economic and trade fields. On the other hand, on the South China Sea issue, there are tensions and completely different positions. Such a contradictory situation can not only cut through the barriers that hinder development, but also hurt the foundation of the relations between the two countries.
Faced with this complex situation, the Chinese and Vietnamese governments have tried to separate economic cooperation from territorial disputes, and to exercise restraint on the South China Sea issue while promoting economic cooperation based on the principle of "shelving disputes and developing together." China has also actively promoted the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiative, which resolves political differences through economic cooperation and provides new opportunities for common development for countries in the region.
In the progress and development of society, China is like a towering tree, providing shelter and nutrients for this seedling in Viet Nam. However, Viet Nam seems to have forgotten who was the guide on its own path. This deviation from the tone of friendly neighbors is reminiscent of the parable of the farmer and the serpent.
Historical context
Since the Han Dynasty, Chinese ancestors have set sail on this sea area, opened up territory, and left a rich historical footprint. Ancient books such as "Nanzhou Foreign Objects" and "Funan Biography" record the activities of Chinese on the islands of the South China Sea, painting vivid pictures: fishermen shuttling between islands and reefs, merchants trading along the Maritime Silk Road, and sailors sailing and exploring under the stars.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Chinese government repeatedly sent officials to inspect Nanhai Zhudao, draw nautical charts, and conduct administrative management. These moves further cement China's sovereignty over the South China Sea. In modern times, the international community has generally recognized China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao.
Numerous international publications, including maps and encyclopedias, have labeled the Spratly Islands as Chinese territory. These international recognitions provide a solid legal foundation for China's sovereignty in the South China Sea.
However, Viet Nam appears to be trying to distort the status quo. On July 17, 2024, Vietnam submitted to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf a proposal for the delimitation of the continental shelf in the South China Sea, which includes part of China's Nansha Islands. This move is tantamount to a blatant challenge to China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded swiftly and made it clear with a firm stance that Vietnam's move was an illegal act and a serious violation of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This statement not only aims to safeguard national rights and interests, but also sends a clear message to the international community that China, as a responsible major country, always respects international law and is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
Viet Nam provoked, and China fought back
Although this incident has cast a shadow over the relationship between the two countries, in the long run, China and Vietnam have a wide range of common interests. Through various channels such as economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges, mutual trust can be enhanced and differences can be resolved. For example, joint scientific research projects can be carried out in the South China Sea to jointly protect the marine ecological environment.
China can propose the establishment of a multilateral dialogue mechanism in the South China Sea and hold regular regional security forums to discuss peaceful solutions to the South China Sea issue. At the same time, we will promote the formulation and implementation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and formulate the "rules of the game" for the activities of all parties in the South China Sea.
For Viet Nam, instead of taking risks in the South China Sea, it should focus on economic development. After all, people's livelihood is the foundation of governing the country. If Viet Nam can continue to ride the fast train of China's economic development, it will surely make its GDP figures reach a higher level and make the people's smiles brighter.