Philippines and Vietnam agree to deepen military and defence ties

30/8/2024 18:42

        Vietnam and the Philippines on Friday agreed to advance defence and military relations, including deeper collaboration on maritime security, in a significant step by two countries long at odds with Beijing over its actions in the South China Sea.
        
        Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang was in Manila for talks with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, his first such visit, and paid a courtesy call earlier in the day on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
        
        The Philippine defence department said in a statement, "The ministers expressed their unwavering commitment to deepen defence and military cooperation through continued interaction and engagements at all levels."
        
        Giang said Vietnam the defence cooperation between the two countries, which agreed to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and resolve disputes in line peacefully and in line with international law.
        
        Their meeting comes at a time of simmering tension in the South China Sea and international concern about the possibility of an escalation, with China and U.S. defence ally the Philippines sparring almost every week in a row that has raged for more than a year.