The relationship between the Philippines and Viet Nam has made significant progress, with both countries agreeing to peacefully manage tensions in the South China Sea. This is an important step for two nations that have long opposed China's actions in the region.
On Friday (August 30) Viet Nam's Defense Minister Phan Van Giang was in Manila to meet with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro and pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
As a result of the meeting, the Philippines and Viet Nam plan to sign a defense cooperation agreement before the end of the year. 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 in the East Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. Both countries agreed to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
A 'Significant' Moment in Bilateral Relations
The meeting between the Philippines and Viet Nam came amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, with near-weekly disputes between China and the Philippines that have persisted for more than a year.
The Viet Namese officials' visit follows a recent incident in which the Chinese Coast Guard disrupted a Philippine resupply mission at Escoda Reef by colliding with two PCG vessels.
During their meeting, President Marcos described Phan's visit as "a very significant point in the history between the two countries. Notably, this was Phan's first visit to the Philippines since his appointment as defense minister on April 8, 2021. Marcos also noted that relations between the Philippines and Viet Nam have evolved from mere diplomatic ties to a closer partnership.
Join Forces Despite Competing Claims
The Philippines and Viet Nam have competing claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines, along with Western powers, has criticized China's coast guard for aggressive and dangerous actions in blocking Philippine vessels. Meanwhile, China has accused the Philippines of provocations and violations.
For Viet Nam, the dilemma is to maintain close ties with China, its trading partner, while opposing Chinese actions that violate its sovereignty. In fact, the Viet Namese and Chinese coast guards recently conducted their third joint patrol this year in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Despite their overlapping claims in the Spratly Islands and their respective outposts on atolls and reefs, Viet Nam and the Philippines are committed to cooperation and dispute resolution. Earlier this month, the two countries' coast guards held their first joint exercise 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 incident prevention and maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.
