Recent Development in the South China Sea and Vietnam’s Approaches

Abstract

This paper examines the new developments in the South China Sea (SCS) disputes between Vietnam and China and their causes. A substantial part investigates the approaches Hanoi has adopted to deal with China's potential aggression in the SCS. The first is the "multilateral" approach, which aims to make full use of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN-centric multilateral security dialogues as useful leverage for the creation of a regional Code of Conduct (COC). The second approach involves the strengthening of "self-help" option by forging new developments in defense capabilities, especially naval power, to deter its northern giant from using force in the SCS. The third approach is the combination of two methods-pursuing engagement alongside a stronger defense and using what might therefore be called "defense diplomacy". These three approaches are not exclusive, but mutually reinforcing, and any shift in priority in each of the three options depends on China's revised policy in the SCS.