Vietnam and the Philippines are conducting a joint coast guard drill for the first time, as both countries face territorial disputes with China. Vietnam’s 2,400-ton coast guard ship CSB 8002 has left Vietnamese waters to participate in the training, which is expected to take place in Manila from August 5th to August 9th. The visit of the Vietnamese ship holds great political significance, according to Vietnam’s Defense Ministry.
The joint drills indicate that both nations view the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a real threat. Su Tzu-yun, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, stated that while Vietnam maintains superficial relations with the CCP, there is deep-seated hostility directed towards it. The drills serve as an obvious alliance between Vietnam and the Philippines to counter Beijing’s pressure.
The purpose of this visit and joint drill is to promote comprehensive cooperation between both countries’ coast guard forces and enhance their law enforcement abilities at sea. It aims to contribute to peace, stability, security, and safety in the relevant sea area and region.
Philippine coast guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan will lead a welcoming ceremony for CSB 8002 and an 80-member Vietnamese delegation. The exercises will include drills for search and rescue operations, fire prevention measures, explosion prevention techniques, and maritime safety protocols.
This collaboration follows recent joint drills conducted by the Philippines with Japan and the United States in the South China Sea. Additionally, bilateral navy drills were held between Japan and the Philippines on August 2nd in contested waters with China.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea based on its nine-dash line concept which overlaps with maritime territorial claims made by other Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam and Philippines based on internationally recognized exclusive economic zones.
Vietnam recently submitted a claim to extend its territorial claims on parts of South China Sea continental shelf beyond its current limit of 200 nautical miles including Paracel Islands which are also claimed by China under its nine-dash line concept.
Accordingly Su Tzu-yun said “the cooperation between Philippines & Vietnam will bring deterrent force against Beijing for balance [in South China Sea]. Resistance may be getting stronger.”
Retired Maj Gen Yu Tsung-chi from Taiwan advised strengthening joint cooperation among all countries facing “gray zone intrusion” from CCP through areas where Beijing lays down claims using militia or fishing boats or coast guards or navy ships because no country alone can compare with china when it comes number of ships they have.
