Philippines, Vietnam Forge Agreement to Manage Incidents in South China Sea

The Philippines and Vietnam have solidified their commitment to regional stability by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on incident prevention and management in the South China Sea.

The agreement, made during a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi on Tuesday, aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations' coastguards, with a specific focus on preventing untoward incidents in the strategically vital waterway.

Agreement on Maritime Cooperation

Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, Vo Van Thuong VIETNAM-PHILIPPINE-DIPLOMACY — (Photo: NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images) Philippine's Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr (L) and Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong (R) attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on January 30, 2024.

This agreement gains prominence against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, driven by China's assertive actions in the region.

The Philippines and Vietnam, both with competing claims in the disputed waters, have joined forces to strengthen their ties and address shared concerns.

The Understanding of Incident Prevention and Management in the South China Sea, a pivotal component of the bilateral agreements, underscores the commitment to promote trust, confidence, and understanding.

This commitment extends not only bilaterally but also within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with other dialogue partners.

One of the notable aspects of the agreements is the establishment of a hotline communication mechanism between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).

This mechanism, set to be implemented under a separate MOU on maritime cooperation, aims to strengthen mutual trust and understanding by facilitating real-time communication between the two coastguard agencies.

Additionally, a Joint Coast Guard Committee will be formed to address common issues and interests, fostering a collaborative approach to maritime challenges.

Rice Trade Agreement

Simultaneously, the Philippines and Vietnam have expanded their cooperation beyond maritime affairs. The signing ceremony witnessed the inking of several agreements, highlighting the diverse areas of collaboration between the two nations.

Among these, the MOUs on rice trade cooperation and cooperation in agriculture and related fields stand out.

The MOU on Rice Trade Cooperation establishes a detailed framework for collaboration to ensure a sustainable food supply amid challenges such as climate change and pandemics.

Vietnam has committed to a five-year trade agreement, supplying the Philippine private sector with 1.5 million to 2 million metric tons of white rice annually at a competitive and affordable price.

In parallel, the MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture and Related Fields aims to intensify collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam in various agricultural domains. This agreement outlines 19 areas of cooperation, ranging from high-value crops and livestock to aquaculture and smart agriculture technologies.

Marcos emphasized the significance of these agreements during his bilateral meeting with Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong. He highlighted that while maritime cooperation forms the foundation of their strategic partnership, the collaboration extends to defense, trade, agriculture, and culture.