Philippines, Vietnam hold joint coast guard drill amid South China Sea disputes: Video
The Philippines and Vietnam held their first joint coast guard exercise in Manila Bay on August 9.
This training marked an important step in strengthening ties between the two countries, especially as they both have disputes with China over parts of the South China Sea.
The exercise focused on search and rescue operations and preventing fires and explosions. It was part of an agreement made earlier in the year when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visited Hanoi. The goal was to boost cooperation between the two nations' coast guards.
Vietnam’s coast guard ship, CSB 8002, visited Manila for five days to participate in the drill alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang. Despite having competing claims in the South China Sea, the exercise showed that the Philippines and Vietnam can work together.
The United Nations for more control over their areas in the South China Sea. China, however, claims almost the entire sea, which is important for its resources and the massive amount of trade that flows through it each year.
