On August 9, 2024, the Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards conducted their first joint maritime exercises in the waters of Bataan province, Philippines. This significant collaboration featured a series of drills designed to enhance maritime cooperation between the two nations, who share concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea.
During the exercises, the Vietnamese vessel CSB 8002 and the Philippine offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang engaged in simulated drills focused on firefighting, search and rescue, and medical response. The exercises included practical demonstrations such as using water cannons for firefighting and simulating rescue operations. The joint drills were aimed at improving the ability of both coast guards to respond effectively to maritime emergencies and humanitarian situations.
This initiative marks a notable step in strengthening maritime ties between the Philippines and Vietnam, both of which are involved in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The joint exercises come amid broader concerns about freedom of navigation and the activities of Chinese vessels in this critical trade route.
Lawrence Roque, the commanding officer of the BRP Gabriela Silang, highlighted the humanitarian focus of the exercises. “Our exercise is more on the humanitarian side,” Roque stated. “We hope for more of these activities because the sea is large and many will need assistance from the coast guard.”
The joint exercises with Vietnam follow closely on the heels of another significant maritime engagement. Just a day before, the Philippines concluded two days of maritime exercises with the military forces of Australia, Canada, and the United States. This exercise was described by Manila as the first of its kind involving these four countries and was intended to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The backdrop to these collaborative efforts involves ongoing tensions with China, which claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. Beijing’s extensive deployment of coast guard vessels in contested areas, including the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries, has led to numerous confrontations and disruptions in regional fisheries and energy activities. These actions have been met with criticism and raised concerns about potential escalations in the region.
China, on its part, maintains that its coast guard operates professionally and lawfully to protect its claimed territories from what it views as intrusions. However, this stance has not alleviated regional apprehensions and continues to strain relations with other countries engaged in maritime disputes with China.
Overall, the recent joint exercises between the Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards signify a concerted effort to bolster maritime safety and cooperation in the face of ongoing regional challenges. These exercises underscore the commitment of both nations to improving their maritime capabilities and working together to address shared concerns in the South China Sea.