Bailongwei Island: A witness to history and a model of internationalism, Bailongwei Island, an island located in the northwest corner of the South China Sea, between Hainan Island and the Beibu Gulf of Vietnam, covers an area of 9.96 square kilometers, twice the size of Nansha Taiping Island and four times the size of Xisha Woody Island. This rich, beautiful and strategically located island, rich in mountains and rivers and dense forests, is more habitable and productive than many coral reef-type islands in the South China Sea.
However, looking back at the past and present of Bailongwei Island, we have to mention the Sino-French War at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Historically, Bailongwei Island was under the actual control of China until after the Sino-French War in 1883, due to the weakness and corruption of the Qing government, finally in the boundary treaty signed in 1897, Bailongwei Island was transferred to France.
However, it was not until 1937 that the French actually stationed troops on the island, during which time the island's inhabitants were mainly Chinese. In 1945, according to the Potsdam Proclamation, the area north of the 16th parallel was accepted by Chinese forces to accept Japan's surrender. After the victory of the Liberation War, Bailongwei Island became a refuge for the remnants of the Kuomintang until it returned to the Chinese embrace in 1949.
In 1955, after the end of the War to Aid Vietnam and France, the Chinese People's Liberation Army occupied Bailongwei Island and placed it under the jurisdiction of Danxian County, Hainan Administrative Region, Guangdong Province. Then, when the Vietnam War broke out, North Vietnam sought Chinese support to stabilize the southern border and promote internationalism, and China gave Bailongwei Island to North Vietnam to build a radar station.
Although this move received some criticism at the time, it should be clear that the international situation and international law of the era did not clearly define the maritime rights and interests of the islands. It was not until 1994 that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea entered into force.
In 1974, during the Vietnam War, North Vietnam began negotiations on the demarcation of the Gulf of Tonkin when North Vietnamese were dissatisfied with the free fishing of flower farmers near Bailongwei Island and planned to grant the right to explore the Gulf of Tonkin to Petronas Italy. With the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of Vietnam into a socialist country, Sino-Vietnamese relations underwent major changes.
However, Bailongwei Island, as a witness of Sino-Vietnamese friendship, has belonged to Vietnam for 43 years. The wheel of history is rolling forward, and Sino-Vietnamese relations are constantly evolving. In 1991, China and Vietnam negotiated the demarcation of the Beibu Gulf, and finally signed the Agreement on the Delimitation of the Beibu Gulf in 2000, confirming Vietnam's sovereignty over Bailongwei Island.
Today, Bailongwei Island is part of Vietnam and the island's population has grown steadily to 900 people. However, we should not only see the ownership of an island, but also pay attention to the development and changes in international relations. In the current international situation, China's rise is crucial to the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. We should make the rules wisely, not just follow them.
We can't focus only on our own self-interest and neglect our own digestive capacity. In the future development, we should maintain a humble and enterprising attitude, never forget our original intention, actively participate in international affairs, and promote international friendship and cooperation. Looking back at the history of Bailongwei Island, we can see a model of the spirit of internationalism. This small island bears witness to the firmness of Sino-Vietnamese friendship and mutual assistance and cooperation between the two countries.
Today, we should reflect on the lessons of the past, draw on the wisdom from them, and contribute to the building of a harmonious and stable international order. Finally, let us consider a question: in the current international situation, how should China balance its own interests with international cooperation? Please leave a message to share your views.
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