The 13^th round of Vietnam-China border and territory negotiations was held in Nanning, China, from January 19-20.

The Vietnamese government delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung; and the Chinese delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei.

The two sides highly valued the results so far of the demarcation and erection of border markers along their land boundaries in 2006. They agreed that the demarcation process has entered a key stage and the two sides should make efforts to provide comprehensive guidance, and speed up the process through friendship consultation and mutual concessions. In order to complete the demarcation and erection of border markers along their land boundaries by 2008 as agreed upon between the two countries' leaders, the two sides agreed to assign the joint committee to instruct joint task groups to focus their efforts on resolving existing matters in 2007.

They also agreed on measures and concrete tasks of priority to accelerate the work, such as the demarcation and planting of border markers at pairs of border gates, river and streams passable by boats, and construction works on the borderline.

Both sides highly valued the implementation of the Tonkin Gulf Delimitation Agreement and the Tonkin Gulf Fishery Cooperation Agreement, as well as other agreements in the areas of oil and gas, joint patrol and joint research into aquatic resources in the gulf.

They affirmed the continuation of the strict observance of the two above-mentioned agreements and strengthened cooperation so as to maintain security, order and stability in the gulf alongside providing humanitarian treatment for fishermen.

The two sides agreed to further accelerate negotiations regarding the delimitation of the sea area beyond the entrance to the Tonkin Gulf and discussed cooperation for development in the area.

Regarding marine issues, on the basis of common perception and the agreement already reached between leaders of the two countries, both sides discussed in depth measures to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea, without any action to complicate or widen disputes. They agreed to continue the negotiation mechanism in order to seek a basic and long-term solution that is acceptable to both sides and in line with international laws and practices, particularly the United Nations Convention on the 1982 Law of the Sea and the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

They made a positive assessment on the result of the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the East Sea and agreed to continue cooperation in executing the agreement. They also agreed to hold early discussions on the implementation of previously-approved projects and to seek new projects in line with the DOC, such as those in marine environment protection, tsunami forecast, marine current research and forecast for sea accident prevention.
Both sides agreed to hold the 14^th round of government-level negotiation on border and territory issues late this year in Vietnam, with specific time and venue to be discussed through the diplomatic channel. Special meetings of the heads of government-level negotiation delegations will be held depending on the situation.