Vietnam and Its Battle to Win the War against China - Essay Example

Vietnam is a country situated in the Southeastern part of Asia, with a population of over 90 million people (Central Intelligence Agency). The country's history is often associated with war. Once again the country is involved in another conflict with a neighboring country and this time it is with China. The relationship between the two countries has remained controversial through the years. The tension worsened when China claimed ownership of the Spratly group of islands. Although many other Asian countries claim ownership of the said islands, the tension between China and Vietnam is considered as the worst. Vietnam even proposed to change the name of the South China Sea to the Southeast Asia Sea, a proposal that earned the sympathy of many people (McLaughlin). China and Vietnam were already able to fix their dispute some years ago but unfortunately, because of China's claims to the Spratly Islands, the relationship between the two countries ended up in a not-so-good condition again.

The government of Vietnam preferred to solve the dispute in a diplomatic way (Simon). Compared to China, Vietnam has a more solid basis for its claims. In response to China's deployment of military forces to the Spratly, Vietnam has also conducted a live ammunition drill on the controversial group of islands. This was in line with China's appeal to stop Vietnam's oil exploration drills (Corben). The Vietnamese government also sought the help of the United States to solve the worsening conflict (Simon). According to Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tang Dung, Vietnam has an unquestionable right to claim ownership of the Spratly Islands. He further added that Vietnam's military forces will continue to protect their maritime zones and that they are more than willing to defend their right to claim ownership ("Vietnam Reasserts Claim").
China and Vietnam's dispute is far more complicated than those of the other countries involved. The relationship between the two countries has remained miserable and it became more miserable because of this never-ending issue with the Spratly islands. For sure this issue still has a long way to go. Vietnam is willing to undergo the diplomatic process to prove that the country’s claims have a basis. Because of this, it is possible that the country will win this fight but it will only happen if Vietnam will cooperate with other Asian countries including China. Although Vietnam's claims are justifiable it does not mean that the entire Spratly Islands would become a part of their territory, because other nations like the Philippines for example also have evidence that is based on factual circumstances.
Vietnam's condition as a developing country would become a huge disadvantage if ever China will declare an all-out war against them. So, to avoid further conflict, it will be more appropriate if Vietnam's government will seek the help of authorities like the United Nations. Constant arguments will only make the situation worst, so better yet make a peaceful fight and disregard doing actions that may create harmful effects. The Vietnamese government must focus its attention on the economy of the country and not on China. Although the country will obtain huge benefits if it ever will win this battle, its government must bear in mind that other important things in the country have to be prioritized. This is something that the Vietnamese government must ponder upon.

A true liberal values morality. They see social, political, and economic conflicts as something that can be easily resolved using establishing social, political, and economic orders that are beneficial to all. Liberals pay more attention to the exercise of free choice and them prosperity is very much possible; it is something that can be achieved through cooperation (Shimko 44). From a liberal person’s point of view, Vietnam's pursuit to win over China's claims is not bad at all because the country's claims have a basis, and if proven they will become beneficial to all their citizens especially to their economy because of the rich natural resources that the islands have.
On the other hand, an idealist views the world in reality that is based on what is happening. They consider the conflicts in society as a matter that has to be taken seriously (Shimko 45). To an idealist, Vietnam's fight to claim ownership is complicated. It is complicated because there are a lot of other parties involved. If the tension between China and Vietnam will worsen, the effect will be on both the country's economies. If Vietnam's economic progression will slow down, the ones who will be greatly affected are the citizens.
Vietnam’s relationship with China is again on the brink of destruction. The tension over the claim of ownership to the Spratly Islands is now affecting the relationship between the two countries. The time as to when this issue will be resolved is still indefinite. This means that Vietnam and China's relationship is also indefinite. The verdict as to who will finally own the Spratly lies in the hands of the United Nations, so while the case is still undergoing the due process, more conflicts are to be expected. It is imperative to immediately solve any disagreements, because if not relationships will be ruined. In this highly globalized world, the unity of all nations is crucial to attaining economic, social, and political stability.  Read More