Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards in First Joint Exercises Amid South China Sea Tensions

Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards conducted their first joint exercises involving simulated firefighting, rescue, and medical response. These drills, aimed at humanitarian assistance, reflect their shared concerns over China's claims and activities in the South China Sea, and follow joint maritime exercises involving Australia, Canada, and the United States.

In a historic collaboration, the coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnam conducted their first joint exercises, simulating firefighting, rescue operations, and medical responses. The drills took place in the South China Sea, an area of longstanding territorial disputes with China.

Vietnam's 90-metre-long ship CSB 8002 partnered with the Philippine offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang for the exercises, highlighting the humanitarian focus of their collaboration. Lawrence Roque, commanding officer of BRP Gabriela Silang, emphasized the importance of such activities for the assistance of those in need at sea.

The joint exercises come in the wake of recent maritime drills involving the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States, aiming to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, justified by its coast guard's activities, continue to raise tensions and concerns among neighboring countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)