The Vietnam-China Agreement on Fishery Cooperation is one of the agreements important to the two countries’ negotiations on the Gulf of Tonkin delineation. The agreement took effect in 2004 and was valid for 12 years and extended for 3 years.

Under the agreement, the two sides set up a joint fishing ground which is 33,500 square kilometers.

Improving stability and security in the region

Under the agreement, in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Vietnam and China have the right to inspect, control, and deal with vessels in the joint fishing ground. The quota of fishing yield and vessels allowed to enter the joint fishing ground is decided on the basis of equality. Each side is allowed to joint venture with a third party in fishing in their EEZ.

At a conference on Sunday to review 15 years of implementing the agreement, Vietnamese and Chinese representatives highlighted the significance of the deal in ensuring stability and security in the Tonkin Gulf and peace and stability in their respective country. Most of the vessels licensed to fish in the region have abided by regulations and fishermen have obeyed the surveillance of the Coast Guards, the maritime surveillance force, and the Border Guards. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said: “Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities of Vietnam have worked closely in educating and training 55,000 fishermen and inspectors in effectively implementing the agreement.”

Over the past 15 years, relevant agencies of the two countries have worked closely to maintain order in the region and encouraged fishermen to enforce the agreement. Yu Kangzhen,  China’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said: “The two sides have strengthened cooperation in the spirit of friendship, mutual trust, and mutual understanding, and ensured stability and security in the joint fishing area. Over the past 15 years of cooperation, we have obtained significant results and contributed to economic development in the Gulf coastal region.”

Effective agreement

The Gulf of Tonkin is of great importance to the two countries’ security and national defense as well as their economic development thanks to the region’s rich fishery reserves.

The effective enforcement of the agreement over the last 15 years has created conditions for the two countries to settle their differences and has created a momentum to build mutual trust and strengthen bilateral ties. The two have trained their fishermen to abide by the agreement and other related laws. They have surveyed fisheries reserves, released breeds, and strengthened patrols and inspection of fishing activities in the region.