First-Ever Joint Coast Guard Exercise between Philippines and Vietnam

The Philippines and Vietnam will commence their inaugural joint coast guard exercise in Manila Bay. This initiative, arising from agreements made during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit to Hanoi, aims to bolster maritime cooperation. The exercise will include search and rescue and fire prevention drills to enhance bilateral collaboration despite overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Vietnam are set to start their first joint coast guard exercise in Manila Bay this week, reflecting their commitment to enhanced maritime cooperation.

The Aug. 9 drill marks a significant milestone between the two countries, which have previously faced conflicts over parts of the South China Sea.

This collaboration stems from agreements signed in January during a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to Hanoi. The initiative aims to prevent untoward incidents in the disputed waters.

On Monday, Vietnam's 90-metre ship CSB 8002 arrived at Manila's port for a five-day stay, during which it will participate in training drills with the Philippines' 83-metre offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang.

The joint exercises will focus on search and rescue operations and fire and explosion prevention, officials from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG Spokesperson Armando Balilo highlighted that despite the rivalry, this exercise demonstrates potential for cooperation even with competing claims in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines and Vietnam have separately filed claims to extended continental shelves with the United Nations, seeking to affirm their entitlements beyond their 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea.

China's vast claim over the South China Sea includes areas contested by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The strategic waterway, through which $3 trillion in trade flows annually, holds significant oil, gas, and fishery resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)