A Vietnamese coast guard ship arrived in Manila on Monday for a four-day goodwill visit and joint exercises with the Philippines, aiming to foster cooperation amidst rising tensions with China over control of key features in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Vietnam, along with other neighboring Southeast Asian countries, have overlapping claims in the disputed waters, making it a significant global trade and security route.
The arrival of the 2,400-ton Vietnamese coast guard ship with 80 crew members was marked by a warm reception at Manila's harbor, where Philippine and Vietnamese flags were waved, and a brass band played under the morning sun. The visit includes talks, ship tours, and joint search and rescue drills in Manila Bay, showcasing a positive step towards de-escalating tensions.
