Strategic Use of the Maritime Militia in the South China Sea -The Case of Vietnam

Abstract

In response to China’s grey-zone tactics of deploying militia in the South China Sea, Vietnam has stressed developing its maritime militia. The study explores the concerns surrounding the Vietnamese government’s legislative and strategic upgrade of their maritime militia and the potential ramifications of this paranaval force as a maritime governance tool and a matter of international law, especially in a possible armed conflict with Chinese vessels. Firstly, this article will examine the institutionalization of the Vietnamese Maritime Militia through its legislation and defensive strategic policy. Secondly, it will evaluate Vietnam’s maritime governance capacity while the government modernizes but overlaps this force’s responsibilities with other enforcement agencies at sea. The study will then discuss the legal status of the Vietnamese Maritime Militia, characterized under international law, highlight the potentially severe consequences of Vietnam’s use of this force, and offer recommendations for a more comprehensive understanding of maritime militia.