Vietnam Warships Visit Philippines Amid South China Sea Dispute

MANILA— Vietnam on Tuesday showed off its two most powerful warships in the first-ever port call to the Philippines, but an official said it was not trying to challenge China's superior naval forces amid tension in the South China Sea.

Hanoi invited the diplomatic community to its Russian-built frigates, which were docked in Manila Bay at the start of a three-day goodwill visit.

China lays claim to almost all of the South China Sea, believed to be rich in natural resources. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims, creating one of Asia's biggest possible flashpoints.

“We are trying to hold joint patrols and operations in the Spratlys, including search-and-rescue operations,” said a Philippine naval official, referring to a disputed island chain. He declined to be identified because he was not authorized to talk to the press.

“We are not trying to challenge China's naval superiority in the disputed area. We have no intention to heighten any tension. These are peaceful activities, like sharing of experiences and best practices,” he continued.

The two 100-meter-long Russian-built warships are equipped with stealth technology to display a minimum presence on enemy radar screens. They have anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

Concern is growing about an escalation in disputes in the South China Sea, even as claimants work to establish a binding code of conduct to resolve them. China on Monday hit back at “irresponsible remarks” from the United States which has called on Beijing to stop a land reclamation project on a reef.

“The first port call is a positive and good sign of the improving and deepening relations between the Philippine Navy and Vietnam People's Navy,” said Philippine Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo.

In March, the two navies held staff-to-staff talks to step up exchanges in intelligence and information, naval technology and training.

Three months later, Vietnamese and Philippine troops got together on a disputed island to play soccer and volleyball and drink beer in a get-together that Philippine officials said proved there could be harmony despite a web of overlapping claims.

China dismissed the meetings as a “clumsy farce.”

Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Xin chào mọi người! Có ai quan tâm về vấn đề thẩm mỹ làm đẹp không ạ? Bên mình là cơ sở thẳm mỹ, nếu đang thắc mắc về các vấn đề như: thẩm mỹ mắt to ở đâu tốt , nhấn mi hay cắt mí là gì thì mọi người có thể liên hệ trực tiếp với chúng tôi để được giải đáp và tư vấn nhé!

    ReplyDelete
  3. TESTIMONY ON HOW I GOT MY LOAN FROM A FINANCE COMPANY LAST WEEK Email for immediate response: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    {Dr.Benjamin Scarlet Owen} can also help you with a legit loan offer. He Has also helped some other colleagues of mine. If you need a genuine loan without cost/stress he his the right loan lender to wipe away your financial problems and crisis today. BENJAMIN LOAN FINANCE holds all of the information about how to obtain money quickly and painlessly via WhatsApp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment