PHL, Vietnam establish strategic ties amid South China Sea dispute

The Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to forge a strategic partnership amid China's increasing activity in disputed territories in the South China Sea.

The agreement was signed between the two countries following a bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang.

The Philippines and Vietnam are among the claimants of territories in the disputed waters while China has been increasingly asserting its claims by building structures in some areas and reclaiming land in others.

The agreement was signed in Malacañang on Tuesday. The Vietnamese head of state is in the country for the APEC Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19.

“We believe that the establishment of this Strategic Partnership will provide further impetus to deepen our cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic, agricultural, defense, and maritime engagement – areas that are truly vital to the strategic interests of both our nations,” Aquino said.

The Philippine President noted the strategic partnership comes in light of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 2016.

The agreement, he said, would increase the bilateral trade of both countries beyond 2016, and pave the way for “active engagement and cooperation between our respective defense and military establishments.”

“As seafaring peoples, we look to initiatives that will enhance our capacities to better respond to challenges and situations in our common seas,” Aquino said.

Aquino noted the decision of the arbitral tribunal in The Hague was also discussed during the bilateral talks. The tribunal took jurisdiction of the Philippine case against China's extensive claims that covers most of South China Sea.

“As I impressed upon the President: The decision represents a significant step forward in our quest for a peaceful, impartial resolution as regards the disputes, as well as the clarification of our rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Aquino said.

The bilateral meeting was held amid the arrival of President Xi Jinping of China, also a member economy of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Xi arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around noon Tuesday.

Aside from China, Vietnam and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in South China Sea. – VS, GMA News