Vietnam–Malaysia Cooperation on the Delimitation of Overlapping Continental Shelf Areas in the Southwest Sea

Abstract

The cooperation process between Vietnam and Malaysia on maritime delimitation in the Southwest Sea (also known as the Gulf of Thailand) has achieved remarkable results. In particular, the model of joint exploitation in overlapping areas between the two countries has become an exemplary case of maritime delimitation cooperation both regionally and globally. This cooperation also created strong momentum for Vietnam and Malaysia to soon initiate negotiations on maritime delimitation, thereby helping to resolve differences and disagreements in addressing disputes over sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the southern area of Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago. From the perspectives of international studies and historiography, this article focuses on analyzing and evaluating the current situation and forecasting the prospects of Vietnam–Malaysia cooperation on the delimitation of overlapping continental shelf areas in the Southwest Sea.