Unprecedented Joint Drills Between the Philippines and Vietnam Signal Heightened Cooperation Amid South China Sea Tensions
The Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards made history by conducting their first-ever joint drills on Friday. This exercise, which focused on firefighting, rescue operations, and medical response, took place in Manila Bay, just off the west coast of Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. Manila Bay leads into the South China Sea, where both nations are locked in territorial disputes with China, which has claimed a major portion of the sea as its own.
The joint drills included a simulated search and rescue operation and showcased the use of water cannons to repel a mock threat. Jay L. Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, emphasized the significance of this collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam. He stated that this unified effort serves as a concrete counter to China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, which has been a cause of concern for both countries.
Though both the Philippines and Vietnam have conflicting claims with China in the South China Sea, Batongbacal sees this exercise as a positive demonstration of how countries involved in the territorial dispute can interact with each other. This demonstration sends the message that these countries can come together, setting aside their disputes to maintain regional stability and protect their common interests.
The Philippines has recently shifted to a more assertive stance concerning the South China Sea since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office. This has led to increased tensions with China, especially after an incident where Chinese coast guards were accused of boarding a Philippine navy vessel and causing harm to a Filipino sailor. Prior to the exercise with Vietnam, the Philippines also engaged in multilateral maritime drills with the U.S., Australia, and Canada on August 7-8, focusing on upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Despite the ongoing disputes, Vietnam expressed its openness to discussing overlapping claims with the Philippines in the South China Sea. The joint exercise between the two nations signifies a strategic shift in how neighboring countries with conflicting claims can work towards a peaceful resolution and cooperation in the region.
China, on the other hand, has not publicly commented on the exercises between the Philippines and Vietnam. However, Beijing has reiterated its claim over the South China Sea, further complicating the situation. As such, China has also been seeking to strengthen its relations with Vietnam, conducting joint naval activities and military engagements to reduce tensions in the region.
The joint drills between the Philippines and Vietnam will not only have an immediate impact but also a regional one. Analysts point out that this exercise could pave the way for enhanced cooperation and collaboration between ASEAN claimant countries, enabling them to collectively address the challenges posed by China. By working together, these nations can strengthen their position not just militarily, but also diplomatically and economically in the South China Sea.
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