"Seas" the Day: How the U.S. and Vietnam Can Challenge China's Proliferation of Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing (IUU-F) in the South China Sea
Abstract
A joint, interagency, and multilateral counter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated-Fishing (IUU-F) campaign in the South China Sea (SCS) can support the socioeconomic security of Vietnam and challenge China's offensive gray zone strategies in Southeast Asia. First, the U.S. and Vietnam can capitalize on the opportunity to lead multilateral collaboration efforts to counter illicit transnational IUU-F. Such cooperation can deepen regional economic and security cooperation, transcend territorial disputes, and challenge the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) perverse security threats in the SCS. Next, the genesis of a U.S.-Vietnam-led SCS Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) coalition modeled after Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) to conduct end-to-end counter-illicit IUU-F operations. This task force would be the action arm to realize and enforce collective counter-IUU-F efforts. Last, the development of an IUU-F communication and social media inform and influence strategy that reinforces a favorable U.S.-Vietnam strategic narrative and denounces CCP illegal activities. A series of information operations can mobilize civil society and provide the Government of Vietnam (GVN) with political and domestic leverage to protest or renegotiate the CCP's geopolitical aims in the SCS. Hence, gaining comparative advantages in the competition continuum requires a multilateral, whole-of-government approach that layers and synchronizes all instruments of national power in the form of integrated campaigning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 11, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1207875
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Pham
Organizations
- Naval War College