The South China Sea surrounds Vietnam.
Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia, and it is surrounded by the South China Sea. Spanning over 344,000 square kilometers, this body of water forms a vital part of Vietnam’s geography, culture, and economy. The South China Sea is bordered by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, making it a significant area of contention and strategic interest.
A well-known resource, the National Geographic, sheds light on the significance of the South China Sea: “The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around 3,500,000 square kilometers. It is bounded by four countries in Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.” This further emphasizes the importance of this body of water for the region.
Here are some interesting facts about the South China Sea and its relation to Vietnam:
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Island disputes: The South China Sea is known for its territorial disputes, primarily involving various islands and reefs within its waters. These disputes involve Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and other nearby nations. The Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands, both claimed by Vietnam, are among the prominent disputed territories.
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Rich marine biodiversity: The South China Sea supports diverse marine ecosystems, hosting numerous species of fish, coral reefs, and other marine organisms. This biodiversity contributes to Vietnam’s fishing industry, providing livelihoods for many coastal communities.
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Strategic importance: The South China Sea serves as a major maritime trade route, accommodating a significant portion of global shipping. It is estimated that around one-third of global maritime trade, including oil and gas shipments, passes through these waters.
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Resource-rich area: The South China Sea is believed to hold extensive oil and gas reserves, making it an attractive prospect for exploration and extraction. However, due to the overlapping territorial claims, these resources have become a source of tension among the surrounding countries.
To provide a visual representation of the surrounding waters of Vietnam, here is a simple table showcasing the neighboring countries and their positions relative to Vietnam:
Country | Position |
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China | Borders the northern part of Vietnam |
Philippines | Borders the eastern part of Vietnam |
Malaysia | Borders the western part of Vietnam |
Brunei | Borders the southwestern part of Vietnam |
In conclusion, Vietnam is surrounded by the South China Sea, a body of water that holds great significance for the country and the region. Despite the territorial disputes and challenges associated with this sea, its rich biodiversity, strategic importance, and resource potential make it a dynamic and complex area to navigate geopolitically.
Quote: “The South China Sea is a powder keg, and whenever we apply some kind of ignition to the area, we could have a blowup.” – Mu Sochua
See related video
The YouTube video titled “On Water: Refugee Memories in Vietnamese Diasporic Films” discusses the role of water in Vietnamese diasporic films as a medium for memory and the transfer of knowledge. The video explores different modes of analysis, including trans-Vietnamese feminism and feminist refugee epistemology, to examine these films and their portrayal of refugee experiences. It also highlights the significance of water as a symbol of memory, resistance, and the fluidity between temporalities, spatial geographies, genders, and generations. Overall, the video emphasizes the importance of exploring these critical modes of diasporic and refugee ways of knowing, and how water serves as a conduit for stories, secrets, and the archive of refugee bodies.
Further responses to your query
Vietnam has a coastline of 3,260 miles and borders the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia.
Bodies of Water in Vietnam Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). Bai Tu Long Bay. Trang An Grottoes. Lan Ha Bay. Halong Bay. Tuyen Lam Lake. Mekong River. Xuan Huong Lake. West Lake. Eo Gio. Thuy Tien Lake. Tranh Stream.
Vietnam has plenty of water. The water bodies that surround it are the Gulf of Thailand, the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea.
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Similar
Geographic Location | Southeast Asia |
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Land Area | 119,718 Square Miles 310,070 Square Kilometers |
Water Area | 8,162 Square Miles 21,140 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries | 2,883 Miles 4,639 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land | 17,703 Square Miles 45,850 Square Kilometers |