Relations between the Philippines and Vietnam have made significant progress, with the 2 countries agreeing to peacefully manage tensions within the South China Sea, a big step for 2 nations which have long opposed China’s actions within the region.
Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang arrived in Manila on Friday (August 30) to fulfill along with his Filipino counterpart Gilberto Teodoro and pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
As a results of the meeting, the Philippines and Vietnam plan to sign a defense cooperation agreement before the top of the 12 months. Teodoro and Giang also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in disaster relief and military medicine.
Giang stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight within the East Sea, also often called the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea. Both countries agreed to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
An “important” moment in bilateral relations
The meeting between the Philippines and Vietnam comes amid rising tensions within the South China Sea, with China and the Philippines having had ongoing disputes for greater than a 12 months.
The visit by Vietnamese officials follows a recent incident when the Chinese Coast Guard disrupted a Philippine resupply mission at Escoda Reef by colliding with two PCG vessels.
During the meeting, President Marcos described Phan’s visit as “a really significant point within the history of each countries. Interestingly, this was Phan’s first visit to the Philippines since his appointment as Defense Minister on April 8, 2021. Marcos also noted that the connection between the Philippines and Vietnam has evolved from mere diplomatic relations to a better partnership.
Join forces despite conflicting claims
The Philippines and Vietnam have competing claims to the South China Sea. The Philippines, together with Western powers, have criticized the Chinese coast guard for aggressive and dangerous actions in blocking Philippine ships. China, meanwhile, has accused the Philippines of provocations and violations.
For Vietnam, the dilemma is maintaining close ties with China, a trading partner, while also resisting Chinese actions that violate its sovereignty. In fact, the Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards recently conducted their third joint patrol this 12 months within the Gulf of Tonkin.
Despite overlapping claims to the Spratly Islands and their respective outposts on atolls and reefs, Vietnam and the Philippines are committed to working together and resolving disputes. Earlier this month, the 2 countries’ coast guards held their first joint exercises in Manila, including simulated firefighting and search-and-rescue operations. This followed President Marcos’ visit to Hanoi in January, where he signed an agreement on stopping incidents and maritime cooperation within the South China Sea.
