Amid increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, countries in the Indo-Pacific are actively seeking to deepen their security cooperation to counter the threats posed by China. Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, and Indonesia have recently reached defense cooperation agreements to collectively defend against the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression.
In recent years, China’s provocative actions in the South China Sea have escalated, prompting countries like the Philippines and Vietnam to seek peaceful resolutions to disputes. Last Friday (August 30th), Vietnam and the Philippines reached consensus on advancing defense and military ties, as well as deepening maritime security cooperation.
The day before, Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles signed the latest Defense Cooperation Agreement in Indonesia. The agreement allows each other’s military forces to be stationed in the other country, and includes strengthening defense cooperation in areas such as maritime security and counterterrorism. Both parties consider the agreement a “significant upgrade” in their military relations, stating that it is “of historical significance.”
On Friday, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang visited Manila for the first time in his capacity as defense minister, holding talks with Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro. Earlier that day, he also paid a courtesy visit to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The meeting took place as tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, causing concerns in the international community about a potential escalation of the situation.
According to Reuters, Phan Van Giang stated during a joint briefing that “both sides believe that maintaining peace, stability, security, freedom of navigation, and overflight in the East Sea (West Philippine Sea as termed by the Philippines, South China Sea as termed by China) is of utmost importance.”
The Philippine Defense Department stated in a press release that “the ministers expressed their firm commitment to deepen defense and military cooperation through continued interaction and engagement at various levels.”
Teodoro mentioned that the goal of both countries is to sign a defense cooperation agreement by the end of this year. Prior to this, he and Phan Van Giang signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in disaster response and military medicine.
Both sides also agreed on resolving disputes peacefully within the framework of international law.
In his statement, Teodoro did not mention China directly but emphasized the need for ASEAN to play a central role in the South China Sea issue, stating that “although we face common threats, we will collectively confront these threats in the spirit of ASEAN unity.”
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, causing concerns among the Philippines and Western countries due to its deployment of coast guard fleets and provocative actions in the region. Manila has accused China of engaging in aggressive and risky behavior that hinders the passage of Philippine vessels.
Since the passing of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong last month, the new leadership under Su Lin has seen a rapid improvement in relations with the West.
Earlier this month, the coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnam held their first joint exercise in Manila, conducting simulations of firefighting, explosion response, and search and rescue exercises. The Vietnamese Defense Ministry described this exercise as having “significant political significance.”