China and Vietnam agreed today to speed up the process of land
border demarcation to ensure it will be finished and a new border
administration document signed by 2008 on schedule.
In a joint statement issued during President Hu Jintao's visit
to Vietnam, the two sides positively appraised implementation of
the Beibu Bay Demarcation Agreement and the Beibu Bay Fishery
Cooperation Agreement which came into force on June 30, 2004.
They also agreed to cooperate in cross-border exploration of oil
and gas in Beibu Bay and start joint patrols there as early as
possible, said the statement.
They agreed to open talks on the demarcation of the sea areas
beyond the mouth of the Beibu Bay as early as possible, it added,
and to maintain the maritime negotiation mechanism.
The two countries said they will study the possibility of
carrying out joint development projects in the South China Sea and
find the right modes and areas for such projects in accordance with
international law and practices.
They also pledged to abide by the consensus reached by top
leaders of the two countries and follow the tenets and principles
contained in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South
China Sea, signed on November 4, 2002 in Cambodia between China and
ASEAN.
(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2005)