The Philippines and
Vietnam are set to sign the “Joint Statement on the Establishment of a
Strategic Partnership between the Republic of the Philippines and the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam” before the end of this year. In the agreement, the two
countries will “reaffirm their commitment to resolve territorial and
jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, as well as to the freedom of
navigation in and over flight above the SCS (South China Sea) all in accordance
with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” Once the deal has
concluded, Vietnam would be the Philippine’s second strategic partner, besides
Japan. It is possible that they will choose to sign the deal during the APEC
leader’s summit in November, held in Manila.
The announcement of an
official strategic partnership follows years of relatively minimal strategic
ties between the two South East Asian countries, though they have worked with
one another on various ASEAN initiatives. This new partnership is likely the
consequence of increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. Each country
has spent a considerable effort defending their claims and territories in the region,
and could only benefit from further collaboration in maritime affairs with a
fellow ASEAN nation.
In regards to
territories within the South China Sea, they committed to resolves differences
in a “constructive manner without resorting to threat or use of force,” and to “exercise
self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate
disputes.” The agreement, however, does not mention developments on islands and
reefs the Philippines or Vietnam already inhabit.
Once the partnership
is officially finalized, it will be interesting to see China’s response. The
hope is that the cooperation between these two nations will better enable them
to stand up to the regional super power. However, there is always the possibility
that such an agreement will only serve to incite further Chinese aggression.
Sources:
http://blogs.cfr.org/asia/2015/04/24/philippines-and-vietnam-rapidly-building-strategic-partnership/
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/23/1447093/phl-vietnam-hold-naval-drills-scientific-research-south-china-sea
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