(VOVWORLD) - The Vietnamese Government on Friday issued a declaration establishing the baseline for measuring the breadth of Vietnam's territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin.
 (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
The declaration, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows a resolution of the National Assembly Standing Committee last week.
The establishment of the baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin aims to exercise Vietnam's rights and obligations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and aligns with the 2012 Law of the Sea of Vietnam.
The baseline is determined in accordance with UNCLOS provisions, taking into account the Gulf of Tonkin's geographical and natural characteristics while ensuring compliance with international treaties of which Vietnam is a party or member.
It serves as a legal foundation for defining Vietnam’s maritime boundaries and the extent of its maritime areas in line with UNCLOS and the agreement on the delimitation of the Gulf of Tonkin signed in 2000 between Vietnam and China.
The baseline provides a robust legal framework for protecting and exercising Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, serving economic development and maritime management, and promoting international cooperation.