As tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea, Filipino citizens are calling on Vietnam to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines in asserting both nations’ rights in the contested maritime region.
The Philippines and Vietnam share a long history of cooperation in the South China Sea, where both countries face similar challenges regarding territorial claims.
As close ASEAN partners with deep interest in maintaining peace and upholding international law in the region, the call for solidarity comes as a direct response to ongoing incursions and actions that undermine the rule of law, particularly the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that rejected China’s expansive claims in the area.
The West Philippine Sea is vital not only for its rich natural resources but also for its strategic location, impacting trade and security across the region.
Filipinos believe that a unified front among Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, is crucial to maintaining stability, protecting sovereign rights, and ensuring that international law is respected.
“We call on Vietnam to continue working with the Philippines and other ASEAN nations to strengthen our collective resolve,” said Ron Delos Angeles, a representative of Not One Inch.
“Our shared interests go beyond territorial disputes; they are about ensuring peace and security for future generations.”
