Critical assessments on the ideology of protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty over sea and islands in the13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam

ABSTRACT : As a maritime country, maritime security is of special importance to Vietnam, having a great impact on marine economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and protecting the peaceful environment of the country. However, at present, the situation of territorial sovereignty disputes and nontraditional security issues such as terrorism, piracy, smuggling, disputes over fishing grounds and exploitation of marine resources is increasingly complex and difficult to predict. These challenges require the Vietnamese Communist Party to have a comprehensive strategy to protect Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and islands. The article points out the important role of protecting sea and island sovereignty for the sustainable development of Vietnam and analyses ideologies related to protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty over sea and islands in the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

KEYWORDS: Sovereignty; the 13th Communist Party; the East Sea; Vietnam