The Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to boost cooperation between their coast guards and prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea. The two Southeast Asian countries, which have competing claims over some parts of the South China Sea, announced the deal during Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s state visit to Hanoi. The disputed water, a conduit for $3 trillion (P169 trillion) of annual ship-borne trade, is claimed by China almost in its entirety.

Atienza, K. A. T. (2024, January 31). Philippines, Vietnam agree to boost cooperation between coast guards. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.