Topic:
Country: Viet Nam
Delegate Name: PJ Valeros
With Guyana gaining independence in 1966, the question of the border came back into the spotlight. The Geneva Agreement, established between Venezuela and the United Kingdom, aimed to find a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute, recognizing the need for dialogue and negotiation over the contested area. Despite these efforts, the situation remained unresolved, and suspicions persisted. In the years that followed, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the dispute escalated, especially with the discovery of major oil reserves in the Essequibo region. The potential for significant economic gain intensified the conflict, as both nations recognized the strategic importance of the territory in light of global oil demand. Recognizing the need for an impartial decision, The United Nations turned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was tasked with handling the dispute. In a ruling, the ICJ stated that Venezuela should refrain from taking any further action regarding its claims to the Essequibo. However, in 2023, Venezuela rejected the ICJ ruling and proceeded to annex the region, claiming it as part of its own territory. This act escalated tensions further to a worldwide scale of controversy. As of now, no armed conflict has erupted, and both nations continue to express a desire to avoid the use of the military. Nonetheless, without a concrete resolution, the dispute remains fervent on a worldwide scale and tensions continue to rise.
Vietnam has had a complex history of border disputes, particularly during the late 20th century. Between 1979 and 1991, the relationship between The People’s Republic of China and The Socialist Republic of Vietnam became increasingly strained, leading to a series of conflicts over territorial claims in the region that encompasses present-day North Vietnam. Throughout this period, there were at least six significant armed clashes between the two nations, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and deepening hatred that goes back centuries. The conflicts left a profound impact on both countries, affecting their military strategies, economic policies, and societal perspectives. The scars of this turbulent phase still influence Vietnam’s diplomatic actions and military readiness today, as it continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia. In more recent times, Vietnam has taken a more measured approach towards international conflicts and regional disputes. Notably, as of now, Vietnam has not released an official political statement regarding the ongoing situation in Guyana. Despite this lack of formal commentary, it is clear that Vietnam advocates for diplomacy and dialogue as vital paths toward resolving conflicts.
The government hopes for a peaceful resolution between Guyana and Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of stability and cooperation in the region. Vietnam’s stance on international issues reflects its commitment to multilateralism through ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Countries) and peaceful negotiations as it works to foster stronger ties with countries across the globe.
