10-8-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards joined forces on Friday to conduct their first-ever joint firefighting and search-and-rescue exercises. The drills, which took place at the mouth of Manila Bay, mark a significant step towards collaboration between two nations that have long-standing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
Despite both countries laying claim to portions of the Spratly archipelago within the strategic waterway, the exercises were hailed as a contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the contested region. The drills showcased a united front in adopting a rules-based approach to maritime issues, a stance that both nations hope will set a precedent for future interactions in the South China Sea.
Captain Lawrence Roque of the Philippine vessel BRP Gabriela Silang expressed optimism about the joint exercises, stating, “We’re moving in a positive direction with this rules-based approach. We hope the Vietnamese government will continue to follow the Philippines in enhancing this method.”
The exercises featured an impressive display of maritime rescue capabilities. The BRP Gabriela Silang and Vietnam’s CSB 8002 vessel demonstrated their firefighting prowess by directing powerful water cannons at a simulated boat fire. This was followed by a dramatic search-and-rescue operation, where a Filipino helicopter dropped orange dummies into the choppy waters, representing individuals in distress. Both vessels then launched small rubber boats to retrieve the mock victims, battling waves over a metre high.
The drills concluded with a formal passing manoeuvre, during which the crews stood at attention on their respective decks, exchanging salutes in a gesture of mutual respect and cooperation.
This collaborative effort stands in stark contrast to recent violent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. These incidents have raised concerns about potential conflicts that could potentially draw in the United States, a key ally of the Philippines.
The exercises come against the backdrop of China’s expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, which have been rejected by an international tribunal and disputed by several Southeast Asian nations. One of the most serious recent incidents occurred in June, when Chinese sailors, armed with weapons including knives and an axe, boarded Philippine naval vessels during a resupply mission to the Filipino-held Second Thomas Shoal.
