Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Vietnam have further strengthened their strategic partnership, by pledging to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea as a non-negotiable.
This was emphasized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to Manila.
According to Marcos, it is undeniable that the Philippines and Vietnam have a common interest in maintaining peace, stability and rules-based order in the region.
The Philippines and Vietnam’s engagement in the region also plays a significant role as an important aspect of the evolving geopolitical conflict.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prohibition of the threat of use of force.
The law on arbitral ruling invalidates Beijing’s claim to the entire South China Sea and supports the Philippines’ position based on UNCLOS.
The two leaders also called for avoiding actions that would escalate tensions in the disputed territories, and stressed the need for self-restraint.
The two countries also stressed the importance of implementing the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, while working to finalize the Code of Conduct, amid tensions over territorial claims and maritime activities in the South China Sea.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News