Philippines and Vietnam Strengthen Maritime Cooperation Amid South China Sea

The two countries sign agreements to boost coast guard cooperation and ensure stable rice supply, while Vingroup plans to expand its EV business in the Philippines.

• Philippines and Vietnam have signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation between their coast guards and prevent incidents in the disputed South China Sea.
• The agreements were signed during a state visit to Hanoi by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who referred to Vietnam as the Philippines' sole strategic partner in the ASEAN region.
• Both countries have had tense confrontations with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory.
• Alongside the maritime agreements, the two countries also signed a key deal on rice, with Vietnam agreeing to supply up to 2 million tonnes of white rice to the Philippines annually.
• Philippine President Marcos also met with Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, which announced plans to open an electric vehicle business network in the Philippines.

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