Vietnam's different negotiations with China over two islands dispute: Paracel and Spratly

The purpose of this study is to examine Vietnam’s both bilateral and multilateral negotiations with China over Paracel and Spratly Islands, and to analyze why the dispute has yet to be negotiated via DOC (Declaration of Conduct) and Code of Conduct (COC). The author argues that the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands, both located in the South China Sea (SCS); has become an obstacle in creating multilateral security in the region. This research will also explain Vietnam’s preferable negotiation with China over two islands due to the dispute between China and Vietnam in the SCS are mixed with cultural and historical heritage fundamental to the understanding of their respective positions. Ensuring the sovereignty over the islands, for these countries, also means to ensure important economic and geopolitical interests in Asia Pacific