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The SinO'Vietnam dispute over hydrocarbon resources exploration in Nansha waters has been troubling both parties for decades. As the legality test seems crystal clear that any party's unilateral development of hydrocarbon resources in the disputed waters shall be considered as a violation of international law and therefore illegal, why does the dispute over exploration activities in Nansha Waters persist? There are three issues beyond legality: the sovereignty dispute over Nansha, the theoretical and practical dilemma of the joint development and Vietnam's lack of urgency for political cooperation. To settle the dispute, China should make efforts to conclude the maritime delimitation agreement with Vietnam as a long-term goal, propose a better joint development mechanism as a provisional arrangement and synthesise diplomatic, legal and military means to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime interests during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]