With rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, both the Philippines and Vietnam have fortified their strategic alliances through a landmark defense agreement. This signaled a united stance against maritime threats and marked a pivotal moment in both nations’ pursuit of regional stability.
Aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea have challenged the maritime sovereignty of both countries. In response, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro signed Letters of Intent (LOI) last August, formalizing their commitment to deepen defense cooperation. These LOIs serve as a preliminary understanding between the two nations, particularly in areas such as maritime security and military collaboration, with the expectation of reaching a formal treaty by year’s end.
The agreement focuses on joint maritime patrols, enhancing maritime security, and coordinating disaster relief efforts, underscoring their commitment to defending their territorial waters amid growing tensions. Both nations have also expressed their desire to collaborate and manage disputes peacefully despite overlapping claims in the Spratly Islands.
This diplomatic and security partnership responds to rising tensions in the region, largely due to China’s continued actions. Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which rejected China’s sweeping claims, China has built military bases on artificial islands and conducted incursions into both Philippine and Vietnamese waters.
Adding to the complexity is the involvement of the United States, which has ramped up freedom of navigation operations and reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines, further heightening the stakes in this geopolitical struggle.
This is just one of the increasing diplomatic efforts of the Philippines and other ASEAN member states to strengthen regional cooperation. Following a series of heightened security postures by ASEAN countries in 2024, the Philippines has pushed for joint naval exercises with the United States and Japan in the South China Sea. Indonesia is expanding its naval fleet to deter illegal fishing and assert sovereignty in the Natuna Islands, while Vietnam is procuring advanced missile systems to bolster its coastal defenses.
Additionally, Malaysia has enhanced border patrols and maritime security in response to rising regional tensions. These efforts underscore ASEAN’s collective resolve to address evolving security challenges.
Beyond defense, the Philippines and Vietnam are actively strengthening their economic ties, particularly in trade and agriculture. Their collaboration in agriculture, especially in rice production, allows the Philippines to benefit from Vietnam’s expertise and secure a stable supply of rice, with Vietnam being one of the top rice exporters in the region.
Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges are increasing, enriching both countries’ social and cultural landscapes through business expansions and tourism.
However, these advancements are not without challenges. Both the Philippines and Vietnam must balance improved defense ties with the reality of Chinese diplomatic pressure. As key players in the West Philippine Sea disputes, they navigate China’s assertive actions while relying on it as their largest trading partner. The economic imbalance is evident—China’s dominance in trade and investment gives it leverage, while the Philippines and Vietnam have smaller, more vulnerable economies. This dynamic forces both nations to carefully manage their defense cooperation without risking their crucial economic ties with Beijing.
