ABSTRACT
Vietnam is a coastal state with a long coastline of more than 3000 km and numerous islands. The country is one of the eight littoral states in the semi-enclosed South China Sea. Unlike some other littoral states, the country only has maritime projection in the South China Sea, making this space vital for development and security. Vietnam emphasizes its interests and priorities in the Maritime Economic Strategy until 2030, which includes a vision to 2045, and the 2019 Defense White Paper. Accordingly, Vietnam has a comprehensive and whole-government approach focused on capacity building for sustainable ocean management and usage. Vietnam has also strengthened international cooperation to address both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. These approaches, however, face numerous challenges due to asymmetrical power dynamics, grey zone tactics, big power competitions, and the lack of an effective dispute management mechanism in the South China Sea. To better safeguard its maritime interests and priorities, Vietnam should adhere to international law, use international law as guidance for its foreign policies and behaviour and promote international cooperation with an open mind and flexible approach with ‘like-minded’ countries that share common interests and values.
