The first subject of regulation under the Law of the Sea

(Baonghean.vn) -Question 18. What was the primary subject matter regulated by the Law of the Sea?

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Reply:Defining the scope and application of the Law of the Sea is a top priority. However, stopping at this point is insufficient and would even lose its practical significance if the Law of the Sea did not define and regulate the diverse and complex relationships existing within that spatial area. Therefore, following the definition of the scope of application, the next step is to regulate the subjects to which the Law of the Sea applies.

The primary focus of the Law of the Sea, aimed at protecting and managing it, is natural resources and the marine environment. This is a subject of constant concern, not only at the national level but also at the regional and global levels.

Because it is meaningless to focus solely on the spatial scope while forgetting what within that scope needs protection, preservation, management, and regeneration. Managing and protecting marine resources (biological and non-biological), the environment, marine science, technology, and services has historically been the most important source of replenishment for economies. How we exploit this shared heritage of humanity, including infrastructure development, can nurture and regenerate it in a way that benefits economic development. Biological and non-biological resources, and the marine environment, are treasures and concerns of all humanity; they are the essence of all economic, social, security, and defense relations; and they are also the source of ongoing disputes and conflicts between nations.

Clearly, sustainable exploitation requires not only rational exploitation but also protection, regeneration, and maintaining the stability and cleanliness of the marine environment for the vital benefit of humanity.

According to the Q&A on Vietnam's Law of the Sea

(To be continued)