Manila: The Philippines and Vietnam have declared that peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea are "non-negotiable." This declaration came as both nations elevated their bilateral ties and renewed a pivotal defense cooperation agreement.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made this statement following bilateral discussions with Vietnamese President To Lam. Both countries, which have claims in the disputed waters, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the South China Sea.
The renewed commitment was reinforced as Manila and Hanoi revitalized their 2010 defense cooperation agreement, aimed at bolstering collaboration in maritime security, military education, and disaster risk management. The South China Sea is a critical maritime route, with about one-third of global trade passing through annually.
The Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan hold overlapping claims in the resource-rich sea. Both Manila and Hanoi have previously faced maritime tensions with China over territorial claims.
President Marcos stated that the Philippines and Vietnam are dedicated to resolving disputes peacefully and in line with international law. He emphasized their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution under international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The 2016 arbitral ruling invalidated China's expansive "nine-dash line" claim over much of the South China Sea, affirming the Philippines' maritime rights under UNCLOS. Although Vietnam was not part of the arbitration, Hanoi has consistently stressed adherence to international law and UNCLOS in maritime disputes.
Beyond defense matters, Presidents Marcos and Lam also addressed combating transnational threats such as internet fraud, human trafficking, illegal gambling, and people smuggling, through improved intelligence-sharing and law enforcement coordination.
This enhancement of relations comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Vietnam in 2026, coinciding with the Philippines' chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
