VN, China agree on a clear common land borderline

The joint statement reads:

From December 28 to 31, 2008 a talk was held in Hà Nội between heads of the Vietnamese and Chinese governmental-level delegations on border and territory negotiations The two sides had thorough discussions and reached a consensus in addressing all unsolved issues relating to the border demarcation and landmark planting.

Based on the land border delimitation treaty signed in 1999 between the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam and the People’s Republic of China as well as the basic interests of the two peoples and the development of the traditional friendship of the two countries, the two sides had friendly and frank negotiations, taking into account their respective concerns and trying to mitigate negative effects on the lives and production of residents living along the common borderline.

The two sides reached solutions acceptable to both sides, thus completing the border demarcation and landmark planting along the whole land borderline between Việt Nam and China as agreed upon by their senior leaders.

These achievements are attributable to the attention and close guidance of senior leaders of the two countries, as well as constant efforts made by the two governmental-level missions, experts and representatives from the relevant agencies and border provinces of the two countries.

The completion of border demarcation and landmark planting is a historically significant event in the development of the Việt Nam-China relations. For the first time, the two countries have identified a clear land boundary with a system of modern markers, opening up new opportunities for the development in each country, especially creating favorable conditions for their border localities to expand cooperation, promote economic development and enhance friendly exchanges.  

The event also lays a solid foundation for Việt Nam and China to build up a borderline of peace, friendship, and long-term stability. The successful border demarcation and landmark planting is proof of the strategic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, considerably contributing to peace, stability and development in the region.

The two sides pledged to early complete and sign a protocol on border demarcation and landmark planting, an agreement regarding land border management and other related documents in order to realize the Việt Nam-China land border treaty, so as to foster the blossoming bilateral friendship. They also vowed to continue their close coordination and cooperation to maintain peace, stability and mutual development in their border areas.

The two sides agreed to organize a celebration at a proper time.