Outline on Ethnic Groups with Sea and Islands in Vietnam

Abstract

Some researchers utilise the term “near-coastal” to denote the traditional activities of ethnic groups in coastal areas and islands in Vietnam. However, it is only applicable to seafood exploitation and does not accurately reflect the trade and sovereignty over seas and islands, as the Kinh and Cham people historically extended into offshore waters, interacting with other inhabitants in Southeast Asia. Given current circumstances, this concept should be discontinued. Islands and seas have transitioned from being perceived as peripheral areas to becoming central to Vietnam’s socio-economic development and ensuring national defence and security. In this regard, besides focusing on ethnic groups in coastal areas and islands whose livelihoods are directly linked to the sea, attention must also be directed towards other ethnic minorities in inland areas, acknowledging their interests, benefits, and responsibilities for socio economic development and ensuring national defence and security in Vietnam’s seas and islands.