Vietnam announces baseline for determining territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin
VOV.VN - The Government of Vietnam on February 21 announced the baseline used to determine the width of Vietnam’s territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin, as per Resolution No. 68/NQ-UBTVQH15 issued by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on February 14, 2025.
The baseline used to determine the width of Vietnam’s territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin consists of straight-line segments connecting a series of islands and islets, including Con Co Island, Gio Lon Islet, Chim Islet, Bo Cat Islet, and Tra Co Island, as well as Point No. 1 under the Agreement on the Delimitation of the Territorial Sea, Exclusive Economic Zone, and Continental Shelf between Vietnam and China in the Gulf of Tonkin.
According to the announcement, the baseline for calculating the width of the territorial sea of Bach Long Vi Island is defined as the lowest low-water line along the island’s coastline.
The outer boundary of Vietnam’s territorial sea in the Bac Luan estuary area is determined by nine points along the maritime boundary delimitation between Vietnam and China in the Gulf of Tonkin, with Point No. 10 specifically located within Vietnam’s waters.
The establishment of the baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin is intended to fulfill Vietnam’s rights and obligations under the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is in accordance with Vietnam’s 2012 Law of the Sea.
The baseline used to determine the width of Vietnam’s territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin is defined based on UNCLOS regulations, taking into account the geographical and natural characteristics of the area, without affecting international treaties to which Vietnam is a party or member.
This baseline serves as the foundation for determining the boundaries and scope of Vietnam's maritime zones in accordance with UNCLOS and the 2000 Gulf of Tonkin Delimitation Agreement between Vietnam and China. It further strengthens Vietnam’s legal basis for protecting and exercising sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while supporting economic development, maritime management, and international cooperation.
Vietnam and China frankly discuss maritime issues
VOV.VN - Both Vietnam and China have had sincere and frank discussions about maritime issues to better control and actively resolve disagreements at sea, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.
