Vietnam and the Philippines pledged to work more closely together on maritime security issues in the South China Sea as part of a broader effort to push back against China’s assertive territorial claims in the region.
Visiting Philippine President Feridnand Marcos, Jr. wrapped up a two two-day visit to Hanoi on Tuesday that culminated with the signing of a pair of memoranda calling for “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation” between their respective coast guards.
While both the Philippines and Vietnam have their own disputes over contested islands in the South China Sea, the two countries are seemingly far more concerned about China’s expansive claims that account for 80% of the sea’s territory.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet formally responded to Marcos’ visit to Hanoi and the new security pacts between the two Southeast Asian countries. But when they do respond, it will almost certainly be quite critical.
On Monday, the Chinese Communist Party-run tabloid Global Times provided a preview of Beijing’s expected reaction when it warned that any “united front” against China will lead to conflict if China’s interests are compromised.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Marcos’ warm reception in Hanoi this week is the latest example of Vietnam’s skillful “bamboo diplomacy” that simultaneously prioritizes relations with China while also bolstering ties with Beijing’s rivals in Manila, Tokyo, and Washington, among others.
SUGGESTED READING:
- The Associated Press: Philippines and Vietnam agree to expand cooperation in South China Sea, which Beijing also claims by Aniruddha Ghosal and Jim Gomez
- The Philippine Star: Philippines, Vietnam to boost SCS cooperation, incident prevention by Helen Flores
