The logo is a mythical magic crossbow, a symbol of Vietnamese strength against Chinese invaders. "Our modern crossbow is legal action through court and receiving support from the world community," said Dr. Phan Chi Hieu said, adding that it is urgent and important to train experts in international law, particularly in those pertaining to marine and sea issues.

Dr. Hieu said the university has mulled over opening an international marine law faculty since mid-2013 as the situation on the East Sea escalated.
 

Leaders from the Ministry of Justice have already proposed the project for the university.

“We are on the way to quickly completing the plan and expect to finish it this year for submission to the Ministry of Education and Training. Opening a new department must receive the approval of the Ministry of Education and Training, which will assess its social necessity, the quality of lectures and the infrastructure of university,” he said.

According to Dr. Hieu, studying marine laws is not as attractive as other law areas, so once given permission, the university will offer many incentives to students.

He also said that the Hanoi Law University always encourages its students to conduct researches on marine law issues. The university holds forums on international law to help raise awareness among students.

Recently, lectures from the university have given many interviews about the Chinese oil rig Haiyang-981 in the Vietnamese Exclusive Economic Zone. This is one way to show the university’s contribution to the fight against the illegal Chinese actions.