A tourist boat docks at Co To island in the Tonkin gulf

(VOVworld) – The first round of expert-level talks between Vietnam and China is underway in Hanoi. During the 2 day talks, both sides reiterated their viewpoints on issues related to the waters off the mouth of the Tonkin gulf. They said they were determined to speed up negotiations on maritime boundaries and discussed possible joint development of the areas in accordance with an agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of Vietnam-China seas issues, which was signed in October 2011. Both sides discussed agenda for the next round of talks and agreed on the formalities and timetables.  Both sides agreed to hold talks twice a year, once in each country. The next talks will be held later this year.