In a significant move to enhance regional security, Vietnam and the Philippines have sealed deals aimed at boosting cooperation among their coastguards and preventing untoward incidents in the South China Sea. This development came during the state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting the ongoing efforts by Southeast Asian nations to manage competing claims in the strategically vital South China Sea. The agreements, centered on “incident prevention” and “maritime cooperation,” were announced during a formal ceremony at the presidential palace in Vietnam.
Vietnam and the Philippines both have competing claims over certain parts of the South China Sea, a crucial waterway facilitating approximately $3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade. China, however, asserts almost complete sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, leading to longstanding disputes and tensions in the region. The South China Sea is a focal point for geopolitical competition, with multiple nations asserting their maritime interests.
The two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Vietnam and the Philippines focus on “incident prevention” and “maritime cooperation” specifically involving coastguards. While the detailed contents of these agreements were not disclosed, their emphasis on security and cooperation raises the prospect of joint efforts to address and manage incidents in the South China Sea. Such initiatives could potentially lead to future compromises on disputed claims, a development that might be viewed with skepticism by China, which tends to resist progress in resolving border disputes among other claimants.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines have had past encounters with China’s coastguard, but tensions have escalated in the last year, particularly between China and the Philippines. Incidents involving vessels from China and the Philippines have strained relations, complicating an already delicate geopolitical landscape. The agreements signed during President Marcos’ visit underscore a shared commitment to regional stability and cooperation amid evolving challenges.
President Marcos emphasized that Vietnam is “the sole strategic partner of the Philippines” in Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation as the foundation of their bilateral relationship. The intricate and rapidly changing global and regional situations necessitate closer unity and cooperation, according to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who welcomed Marcos’ visit as a positive contribution to bilateral relations.
In addition to security-related agreements, Vietnam and the Philippines also sealed deals covering rice trade and agriculture cooperation. Vietnam, a major rice exporter, and the Philippines, a key importer of the grain, aim to strengthen economic ties through these agreements. The multifaceted collaboration signifies a comprehensive approach to fostering positive relations between the two nations.
The agreements between Vietnam and the Philippines on South China Sea security mark a notable step toward regional cooperation and incident prevention. As Southeast Asian nations navigate geopolitical challenges, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to stability and collaboration. The evolving dynamics in the South China Sea underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts and strategic partnerships to address regional complexities and contribute to a secure and prosperous Southeast Asia.
