Vietnam recently conducted a joint drill with the Philippines in the South China Sea as part of efforts to bolster territorial claims and counter Beijing’s aggression in the region. The joint exercises took place as a Vietnamese coast guard ship arrived in Manila for a goodwill visit.
While Vietnam and the Philippines have their own territorial disputes in the South China Sea, they both recognize the importance of working together to address the threat posed by China. According to analysts, Beijing’s recent aggressions in the region have prompted Hanoi and Manila to manage their disputes amicably and focus on the larger challenge presented by China’s claims.
China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, which lacks a legal basis, has led to confrontations with neighboring countries. In April, China’s coast guard fired water cannons at a Philippine vessel near the Scarborough Shoal. The international law dictates that a country’s exclusive economic zone extends 200 nautical miles off its coast.
To counter Beijing effectively, it is crucial for Vietnam to settle its maritime boundaries with other Southeast Asian nations. By establishing a unified stance among themselves, countries like Vietnam can negotiate with China more effectively as a single entity. Recent efforts by Vietnam to solidify territorial boundaries, such as talks with the Philippines and agreements with Indonesia, have been seen as positive steps.
Despite progress in settling maritime disputes, illegal fishing remains a significant issue for Vietnam. The European Commission has raised concerns about Vietnamese seafood due to illegal fishing practices. While Vietnam has made efforts to control the fishing industry, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, declining marine ecosystems, and education remain.
Vietnamese fishermen often venture into neighboring waters, including Indonesian territory, to increase profits. Despite agreements with Indonesia, Vietnamese fishermen continue to fish illegally in Indonesian waters, posing a challenge to maritime security and regional cooperation. The lure of higher profits and the dangers of Beijing’s militarization in the South China Sea have driven Vietnamese fishermen to seek opportunities in other waters.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s joint drill with the Philippines and efforts to settle maritime disputes with neighboring countries are part of a broader strategy to counter Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea. By working together and addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, Vietnam aims to protect its maritime interests and ensure regional stability in the contested waters.
