Philippines and Vietnam Expand Cooperation in the South China Sea... Strengthening Food Security Collaboration

'Preventing Accidents in the Namjungnamhae Sea'
'Cooperation with the Maritime Police' MOU

The Philippines and Vietnam are strengthening cooperation in the South China Sea, where they have territorial disputes with China.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines (left), waves his hand with Vo Van Thuong, President of Vietnam, at a welcoming ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, on the 30th. President Marcos made a state visit to Vietnam for two days.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on the 30th during his state visit to Vietnam regarding 'accident prevention in the South China Sea' and 'maritime coast guard cooperation.'

The agreements reportedly include establishing a hotline between the maritime coast guards and forming a joint coast guard committee to discuss bilateral issues. The Philippine government stated in a press release that both countries agreed to enhance cooperation on maritime issues and work to build trust. However, the detailed terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Before the meeting with Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong, President Marcos said, "Vietnam is the only strategic partner of the Philippines in Southeast Asia," emphasizing that maritime cooperation has become the foundation of bilateral relations. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said, "The global and regional situation is changing rapidly and complexly," and added, "It is necessary for both countries to unite and cooperate more closely."

China claims about 90% of the area within the U-shaped nine-dash line in the South China Sea as its territorial waters. The Philippines filed a lawsuit with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no basis under international law. However, China has ignored this ruling, causing friction with neighboring countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam. In particular, the Philippines and China have engaged in physical clashes and exchanged strong warning messages in the South China Sea, continuing a tense standoff.

Additionally, the Philippines and Vietnam are also strengthening cooperation on food security. Vietnam has agreed to supply the Philippines with 1.5 to 2 million tons of rice annually at affordable prices. Vietnam is one of the world's largest rice exporters. Conversely, the Philippines, which relies on rice imports, is one of the largest grain importers.