Vietnam and Philippines Enhance South China Sea Security and Rice Deals
Published on: January 30, 2024.
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Vietnam and the Philippines Strengthen Security and Rice Trade in the South China Sea
In a state visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to enhance cooperation between their coastguards to ensure safety and prevent incidents in the South China Sea. The two Southeast Asian countries have competing claims over certain parts of the South China Sea, a crucial route for $3 trillion worth of annual ship-borne trade, which China asserts as its own.
The details of the agreement, signed in Hanoi, have not been disclosed. However, it is important to note that such a move could potentially anger Beijing, as China has deployed its extensive coastguard fleet to enforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Both Hanoi and Manila have encountered China’s coastguard in the past, but tensions have escalated between Chinese and Philippine vessels over the past year, adding strain to their already deteriorating relations.
In addition to the security agreement, Vietnam, being one of the world’s largest rice exporters, has also reached an agreement with the Philippines, a major rice importer, regarding rice trade for the next five years. This cooperation between the two countries will further strengthen their bilateral trade and economic ties.
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