Abstract

The Southwestern Sea constitutes a maritime space rich in natural resources and has long served as a traditional living area as well as an important economic and cultural hub of Vietnam. Continuing the undertakings of the Nguyễn lords and fully aware of the region’s strategic significance, the early Nguyễn emperors—most notably Gia Long and Minh Mạng—established fundamental principles and institutional arrangements to manage the sea– island area, exploit and promote the potential of the maritime economy, and implement policies to expand regional influence. This article analyzes the orientations, objectives, and measures adopted by the Nguyễn dynasty in the Southwestern Sea, and examines the direct and long-term impacts of these policies, particularly their implications for safeguarding sovereignty and advancing socio-economic development in Southern Vietnam.

Keywords: Early Nguyễn emperors, Nguyễn lords, policy, Southwest Sea of Vietnam, vision