The Philippines and Vietnam have signed a defence cooperation agreement, strengthening their partnership in the face of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. The pact was announced on Monday, marking a significant step in bilateral relations between the two Southeast Asian nations, both of which are claimants in the long-running territorial disputes.
The South China Sea is a major shipping route, with over 21% of global trade transiting through its waters in 2016, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. It is also home to rich fishing grounds and potential natural resources, making it a strategic area for regional powers.
China claims the largest portion of territory in the area, demarcated by its so-called 'nine-dash line', which extends hundreds of miles from its southern province of Hainan. Beijing insists its claims are based on historical rights dating back centuries, but critics argue the line is vague and lacks coordinates.
Vietnam and the Philippines have been among the most vocal opponents of China's expansive claims. Vietnam disputes China's historical account, asserting it has ruled over the Paracel and Spratly islands since the 17th century. The Philippines bases its claim on geographical proximity to the Spratlys and has taken China to a UN tribunal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Tensions have flared repeatedly, including clashes between China and Vietnam in 1974 and 1988, and a stand-off between China and the Philippines in 2012 over the Scarborough Shoal. In 2014, the introduction of a Chinese drilling rig near the Paracel Islands led to collisions between Vietnamese and Chinese ships.
The new defence pact is expected to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam, potentially including joint patrols and information sharing. The United States, while not taking sides, has conducted freedom of navigation operations near disputed islands, and Japan has provided ships and equipment to claimants.
