(VOVworld)- Vietnam and China have signed agreements on co-operation in protecting and exploiting tourism resources of the Ban Gioc Waterfall and on the free travel of vessels at the mouth of the Bac Luan River. The signing of the two agreements marked the end of historical disputes and opened a new period of cooperation between Vietnam and China.

Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and President Truong Tan Sang (Source: VNA)

Vietnam and China have discussed ways to settle historical disputes about the Ban Gioc Waterfall and the mouth of Bac Luan River for several years. Following the completion of border marker plantation in 2008, the two countries agreed to settle their disputes following the principles of equality, respecting historical vestiges, prioritizing the lives of people in the border areas and complying with historical documents.

Negotiation on the basis of equality and respect for mutual interests

In August 2015, Vietnam and China ended a 7-year negotiation. On November 6, on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam, the two countries signed two agreements affirming their determination to build a border of peace, stability, friendship and cooperation. Doctor Tran Cong Truc was former Head of the Government Border Committee: “The signing of the agreements reflects both sides’ good will and cooperation. They are of great importance for the Vietnam-China relationship which was set up 65 years ago. They contribute to promoting bilateral cooperation for common interests in the border area”.

The signing of the agreements was the result of respect for shared principles and for the borderline delineated by the 1887 and 1895 Conventions signed by the French government and the Qing regime. Vietnam and China applied international law and practices to work out a comprehensive solution which takes into account the interests of the two peoples. The agreements correct a baseless claim that the Ban Gioc waterfall belonged to Vietnam and was taken by China. Doctor Tran Cong Truc said: “This is a correct and fair agreement. It is groundless to say that Vietnam is giving it to China or China is giving it to Vietnam for some political reasons. Both sides signed the agreement on a basis of equality. The agreement contributes to maintaining an environment of peace and shows that both countries respect sovereignty, the border line and the achievements of their cooperation”.

Cooperation for mutual benefit

The agreements enable both countries to tap the tourism potential and hydro power of the Ban Gioc waterfall and facilitate the travel of their vessels. In recent years, Vietnam has invested in upgrading infrastructure, promoting spiritual tourism, and improving the lives of people in border areas. Following the signing of the agreements, relevant Vietnamese and Chinese agencies will set up control stations, move people, resolve problems with the border marker delineation and demarcation, enhance cooperation in protecting and managing border markers, exploit water resources and promote tourism. In the Bac Luan river, under the signed agreement, the two countries will facilitate the travel of vessels and strengthen cooperation in control activities to ensure national security.

The agreements marked the end of negotiations on the Vietnam-China land border. The agreements have provided lessons for settling other disputes in the future. Former Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Qi Janguo, who is also former Vice President of the Chinese-Vietnamese Friendship Association, said:“They are historical problems. The regions have now become border areas of peace, friendship and development. There are some problems in the Vietnam-China relationship, but there is progress. To improve bilateral ties, the two countries need to increase high-ranking exchanges and strengthen mutual understanding and trust”.

65 years after establishing diplomatic ties, the Vietnam-China relationship is entering a new period. The two countries are accelerating measures to build trust, reduce tension, prevent conflicts and promote goodwill and sincerity.  \