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Hanoi: Hanoi said a Vietnamese coast guard vessel was en route to the Philippines to take part in joint training exercises, the first such exchanges between the two countries involved in disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, but the Philippines, Vietnam and several other countries Claims various islands, islets, reefs and shoals Located on a vital strategic waterway.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos visited Vietnam in January, and the two countries agreed to strengthen coast guard cooperation in the South China Sea and “peacefully resolve maritime incidents.”
The 2,400-tonne CSB 8002 vessel left Vietnamese waters on Wednesday (July 31) on a voyage of “profound political significance”, Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two countries’ coast guards to “promote comprehensive cooperation and enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities…to maintain peace, stability, safety and security in relevant waters and regions.”
Wednesday’s statement said the two countries will conduct joint exercises in maritime search and rescue, firefighting and combat.
Vietnam submitted an application to the United Nations in mid-July to extend its continental shelf in the South China Sea beyond the current 370 kilometers, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
this The Philippines took a similar step a month ago..
China has expressed its firm opposition to Vietnam’s demands and has lodged solemn representations to Vietnam.
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