Vietnam's seas and islands

Vietnam, Philippines issue Joint Statement on Enhanced Strategic Partnership

Amid vast ocean waves, the DK1 platforms stand like unique homes in the open sea. In a place where only sea winds and the sound of waves prevail year-round, soldiers maintain a simple and steady rhythm of life.

At daybreak in Ly Son Special Zone in the central province of Quang Ngai, the fishing port area in An Vinh village becomes lively as boats return after a night at sea, serving as a familiar trading hub for local fishermen.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong highly valued the meeting’s theme – “Navigating Our Future, Together”, describing it as timely and reflective of ASEAN’s aspiration for solidarity, shared development and a prosperous community actively and effectively responding to present and future challenges.

The image of Vietnam’s national flag fluttering against the vast backdrop of the sea and sky evokes deep national pride and reaffirms the sacred sovereignty of the nation’s seas and islands. On vessels, islands and offshore platforms, the red flag with a yellow star stands as a powerful symbol of faith, resilience and love for the homeland.

Fishermen in the coastal villages of Da Nang city mainly rely on nearshore fishing for their livelihoods. During the fishing season, bustling beaches and abundant seafood catches bring fishermen a stable source of income and help preserve their traditional trade.

The society stressed that the ban is unilateral and unjustified; seriously infringes upon Vietnam’s sovereignty, rights and legitimate interests; violates international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Vietnam urged China to respect the rights of Vietnamese fishermen to conduct lawful activities in Vietnam’s waters and in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.

The museum covers a total area of approximately 17,100 square metres, with total investment estimated at 299.7 billion VND (11.37 million USD). Funding for the project is provided through sponsorship from Vinhomes JSC, and construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

According to the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, from April 17 - 23, Fisheries Surveillance Ship KN-490 departing from Cam Ranh International Port carried a working delegation, including 48 overseas Vietnamese from 22 countries and territories, along with representatives of domestic agencies, businesses, artists and journalists to Truong Sa and DK1 offshore platforms.

The two leaders reviewed the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation, noting satisfaction with the strong development of relations between the two Parties and countries, particularly in economy, trade, investment, tourism, and railway connectivity.

The event went beyond a religious practice to reflect a shared sense of responsibility toward the homeland, particularly in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while conveying a positive message advocating peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The exhibition in France guides visitors through the beauty of the East Sea - not only vast and rich in resources, but also deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual life of coastal communities. Through simple yet evocative images, everyday scenes of labour are vividly portrayed, from offshore fishing and seafood trading at the wharves to rustic bamboo boats closely associated with fishing villages.

The project holds significant political, historical and legal meaning for Da Nang, firmly asserting Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa, while contributing to information dissemination and education on patriotism and the responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty over the nation's seas and islands.

According to an article published on January 18, Phu Quy, situated off the southern coast of Vietnam, is described as one of the lesser-known islands on the East Sea tourism map.

According to the plan, the two delegations will visit and extend Tet greetings to DK1 platforms, ships on duty and units, as well as the Party organisation of the Con Dao special zone, over a period of around two weeks.

All foreign activities conducted in Hoang Sa without Vietnam’s permission are completely illegal and invalid, said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, has highlighted Vietnam’s substantive contributions to the global ocean agenda and its efforts to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) worldwide.

The seventh Vietnam–Philippines Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Hanoi on November 26, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Philippine Undersecretary of National Defence Irineo C. Espino.

Strategically located for defence and security, Hon Khoai island features rugged mountainous terrain, fresh water sources around the island, and a diverse, rich ecosystem. Once fully developed, Hon Khoai is set to become a key connection point for the Mekong Delta economic zone, cutting transport and logistics costs, boosting local economic development, and forming a new gateway for Vietnam’s international trade.