Philippines and Vietnam Could Be Likely Allies in the West Philippine Sea

By: Rahel U

China’s decisive pursuit of its territorial claims over the Western Pacific has naturally set off alarm bells across the ASEAN regions, including the  Philippines, which has limited defense competences to protect its claims in the area. Some of the country’s officials say that Philippines is  helpless compared to China as we cannot defend ourselves due to the lack of capabilities to fight against the giant country.  

China announced its military funds, recorded as the second largest in the world. Lately, after testing its 5th generation stealth fighter, it also demonstrated its ability to churn out cutting-edge military hardware.

 The Philippines  represents a moderately minor power in Asia.  Vietnam has smaller popular than Philippines but its material resources  have never stopped it from eagerly struggling for its national independence. Philippines,  however, must  look  for an ASEAN fellow ally like Vietnam, who also disagrees with China’s territorial posturing.

From the time when the Cold War end, Vietnam has had no alliance support from an external power, but  it enjoys expanded defense relations with powerful countries like  Russia,  India to Japan, and the U.S. But Vietnam has managed to  secure its self-autonomy, gained access to advanced military hardware, and stepped up a training exercise with powers across the ideological range.

Today, Vietnam brags a menacing military force--equipped with Kilo class submarines, Su 27 Flanker jet fighters, P-800 Onyx surface-to-surface cruise missiles, and S-300 Surface-to-Air missiles -- that has prevented a major showdown with its giant neighbor, China.

 Vietnam is also looking for the Philippines’ assistance in shaping its own legal strategy against China’s territorial movements.  Vietnam and the Philippines should coordinate their diplomatic efforts, pushing other  ASEAN  nations to make a firm position against any undermining action in the WPS. Beyond the rhetoric and statements, however, the Philippines and Vietnam should step up their teamwork in work with maritime security.

The two countries don’t only embody an increasingly successful model, which expresses how strategic vision can overcome size differences. But rather, Vietnam also represents a natural ally in the ASEAN, as Hanoi and Manila push for a legally-binding Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: yahoonews

Photo: Credit to the owner