Source – straitstimes.com
Joint Drills Set to Strengthen Regional Trust
On August 9, the Philippines and Vietnam will embark on their first-ever joint maritime exercises, a significant move aimed at bolstering mutual trust amidst ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. This landmark event comes as both nations seek to enhance their maritime cooperation in response to Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the contested waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed their Vietnamese counterparts at the Port of Manila on August 5, marking the beginning of a five-day goodwill visit. The exercises will include search and rescue operations, fire and explosion training, and communication drills. Notably, these activities will simulate rescuing fishermen in distress in the South China Sea.
Building a Collaborative Framework
Rear Admiral Armand Balilo of the PCG emphasized that the drills are not aimed at China but rather at setting a positive example for other claimants in the region. He highlighted the importance of these exercises in demonstrating that cooperation is possible even among nations with overlapping maritime claims.
“This is important because we’re building a partnership,” Balilo said. “We can set a template to build a stronger relationship that other claimants may follow in the future.”
The joint exercises reflect a growing collaboration between the two countries, despite their competing claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines refers to the eastern parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea, a designation disputed by China.
Friends at Sea: Philippines and Vietnam Coast Guards Hold First-ever Joint Exercise
Impact of China’s Aggressive Actions
China’s aggressive actions, including expanding its military presence and constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea, have prompted Manila and Hanoi to deepen their defense strategies. The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling invalidated China’s extensive claims, but Beijing has continued to assert control over the region.
Vietnam’s artificial island-building activities have increased recently, while the Philippines has faced heightened tensions over resupply missions to a remote military outpost. These developments have spurred both nations to reinforce their maritime defenses and foster closer ties.
Future Cooperation and Regional Stability
Colonel Hoang Quoc Dat of the Vietnam Coast Guard emphasized that the upcoming drills would lay a “solid foundation” for continued cooperation and contribute to regional peace and stability. The exercises are expected to enhance information sharing and coordination in maritime law enforcement, aligning with international law.
Despite recent disputes over their extended continental shelf claims before the United Nations, both countries have expressed a willingness to resolve issues through dialogue. Analysts suggest that China’s actions have accelerated collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam, with increased maritime cooperation seen as crucial for addressing regional challenges.
Geopolitical experts view these exercises as a step toward achieving ASEAN centrality and strengthening regional unity amid overlapping territorial claims. The joint maritime activities send a clear message that maritime rule of law and adherence to international standards are paramount in the region.
