Vietnam, under its new leader, is participating in a joint coast guard drill with the Philippines for the first time amid escalating territorial disputes with communist China. The Vietnam Coast Guard ship CSB 8002 has left Vietnamese waters and is expected to arrive in Manila on Aug. 5 for the training, which is deemed to have significant political implications by Vietnam’s Defense Ministry.
The joint drills are seen as a response to the perceived threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to experts. The cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines aims to enhance law enforcement abilities at sea and contribute to peace and stability in the region, particularly in light of China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The visit of the Vietnamese coast guard ship and the joint training exercises reflect a growing alignment between countries in the region to counter China’s aggressive actions. By strengthening cooperation and conducting joint patrols, these nations are sending a clear message to Beijing that unilateral expansion will be met with resistance. The recent involvement of Vietnam and the Philippines in joint drills with other countries underscores the united front against the CCP’s expansionist ambitions.
The stance of Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, indicates a shift towards a more pragmatic approach to foreign relations, akin to China’s past strategic reforms. This approach, coupled with increased regional cooperation, is seen as a crucial step in deterring China’s assertive behavior in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
According to Su, the South China Sea holds significant importance for Vietnam’s maritime safety and livelihood, given its reliance on shipping in the region. With Beijing’s ambitions to dominate the area, Vietnam may lean towards the United States for ideological and security cooperation. Su also mentioned the possibility of the US selling F16s to Vietnam to strengthen their alliance.
On the other hand, Yu expressed caution regarding Vietnam’s stance, noting that Vietnam remains a communist regime. While Vietnam shows signs of aligning with Russia and being wary of China, its approach towards China remains cautious. Collaborating with the Philippines, Vietnam aims to counter China’s expansion in the region by seeking cooperation with the US, Japan, and other countries in the South China Sea.
Contributions to this report were made by Luo Ya and Reuters.
