PH, Vietnam to boost defense, maritime security amid pressing concerns
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—The governments of the Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to bolster ties on defense and maritime security, among other areas of cooperation, as various state leaders warned of a volatile condition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Such an agreement came as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits here.

Office of the Press Secretary Officer-in-Charge Cheloy Garafil said Marcos pushed for continued dialogues on these matters, including intelligence and strategies exchanges in dealing with maritime concerns, as these would be beneficial.
The Philippines and Vietnam are among the countries that have claims over parts of the South China Sea, which is also being claimed almost fully by China.
Marcos also told Pham that there is a need for members of the regional bloc “to find common ground” in dealing with pressing concerns, Garafil added.
The pressing concerns included the rising tensions in Taiwan, which stemmed from the supposed interference of the US in China’s internal affairs after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit, and in junta-ruled Myanmar.
“All of these issues are of extreme importance and of extreme urgency. And that is why I believe ASEAN must find common ground from which to face those challenges,” the President said.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Neal Imperial said there was “no specific discussion” on how the Philippines and Vietnam could strengthen its defense and maritime security ties.
Aside from these areas of cooperation, the two governments also agreed to boost ties on trade and agriculture.
On the economy, Marcos noted an increase in total trade between the two countries, with overall trade nearing USD 6 billion, even higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, there is still a significant trade imbalance between the two, which the President hoped Vietnam will help address.
Marcos also counted on Vietnam, being the country’s top source of rice, in ensuring food security.