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.
Both countries emphasized the importance of strengthening their cooperative relationship for mutual benefit, promoting information sharing, and enhancing maritime law enforcement in accordance with international law. The recent engagement follows a friendly interaction between Vietnamese and Philippine navy forces in the South China Sea last month, where sports activities were organized on the Vietnam-occupied Southwest Cay in the hotly contested Spratly archipelago.
In light of recent confrontations in the South China Sea, including a violent incident in the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, efforts have been made to prevent further clashes. A temporary agreement between China and the Philippines was reached to avoid escalation, leading to a peaceful resupply mission to Manila's territorial ship outpost at the shoal without reported confrontations.
The Philippines remains committed to strengthening its territorial defense forces and expanding security alliances with Asian and Western countries to safeguard its interests in the region.
