30-8-2024 (MANILA) In a landmark move that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Vietnam are poised to sign a groundbreaking defence cooperation agreement today, 30 August. The announcement, made by the office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, marks a significant step forward in the relationship between two nations that have long stood united in their opposition to China’s assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea.
The Vietnamese Defence Minister, Phan Van Giang, arrived in Manila earlier today for high-level talks with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro. The visiting minister also paid a courtesy call on President Marcos, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic engagement.
Speaking about the impending agreement, President Marcos highlighted the broad scope of the enhanced cooperation, stating, “We are now discussing defence cooperation, security cooperation, maritime cooperation, and certainly, matters of trade as well.” While specific details of the defence pact remain undisclosed, the President expressed optimism that Minister Giang’s visit would serve as a catalyst to “increase the depth and range of our relationship.”
This strategic alignment comes at a crucial juncture, with tensions simmering in the South China Sea and growing international concern over potential escalation. Of particular worry is the conduct of China’s expansive coast guard fleet and its activities within the exclusive economic zones of neighbouring countries.
For Vietnam, the decision to enter into this agreement represents a delicate balancing act. While Hanoi has consistently opposed actions by Beijing that it perceives as infringements on its sovereignty, it must also maintain the close ties with its giant neighbour that have been cultivated over decades through their ruling Communist Parties.
The timing of this agreement is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with an ongoing period of heightened tensions between the Philippines, a long-standing US defence ally, and China. The two nations have been embroiled in near-weekly disputes over the South China Sea for more than a year, with China asserting sovereignty over almost the entire strategic waterway.
Despite their overlapping territorial claims in the Spratly Islands, where both Vietnam and the Philippines occupy various atolls and reefs, the two countries have expressed a mutual desire to collaborate and address disputes diplomatically. This spirit of cooperation was evident earlier this month when the coast guards of both nations conducted their inaugural joint exercises in Manila, focusing on fire-fighting drills and search-and-rescue operations.
The groundwork for today’s agreement was laid during President Marcos’s visit to Hanoi in January, where he signed deals covering “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation”. The defence pact represents a significant escalation of these collaborative efforts.
