The negotiations were in accordance with the common perception of Vietnamese and Chinese high-ranking leaders and principles stipulated in the Viet Nam–China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues signed on October 11, 2011.

The two sides agreed upon three projects prioritised for cooperation, including sea search and rescue, exchange and research of Tonkin Gulf sea and island environmental management, and the research on comparison of Holocenne sediment in the Red River Delta and Changjiang River Delta.

They agreed to work closely to implement the above projects as soon as possible and hold the fourth round of negotiations in Ha Noi later this year.