Speaking at the Vietnam Maritime Forum 2026 in Hanoi on Friday, Rear Admiral Pham Minh Tuan said a strong maritime nation is measured not only by the length of its coastline or the size of its maritime domain, but also by its ability to master the seas, technology, and data. Therefore, alongside strengthening defense and security, maritime economic development must go hand in hand with enhanced defense diplomacy.
“We must continue to leverage the pioneering role and unique strengths of defense diplomacy in the maritime domain, focusing on practical areas of cooperation such as maritime security and safety, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, combating transnational crime, environmental protection, human resource training, and information sharing,” said Mr. Tuan.
“Through these efforts, we can strengthen mutual trust, build strategic confidence, prevent and manage potential conflicts, and help maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development,” he added.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Chairman of the Vietnam Marine Protection Association and former Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, said that maritime self-reliance must begin with addressing four key pillars for Vietnam to become a strong maritime nation.
“They include building strong institutions, strengthening marine science and technology, developing a strong, green, and sustainable maritime economy, and reinforcing national defense and security to firmly protect our sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction, and ability to exercise effective control over our maritime domain and strategic living space,” he said.
According to Dr. Hoi, the reorganization of Vietnam’s maritime space, involving 21 coastal provinces and cities and 13 special zones, reflects a new approach that closely links economic development with national defense, security, and maritime sovereignty. He noted that this forward-looking strategy helps translate the Party’s vision of developing Vietnam into a strong maritime nation into concrete action.
