Vietnam, Phl vow defense cooperation in disputed seas

MANILA, Philippines - Vietnamese defense minister General Phung Quang Thanh and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday discussed defense cooperation on the two countries' "mutual concern" on the situation over the South China Sea.

In a statement issued Monday, the Department of National Defense (DND) said that the two defense chiefs exchanged views on their countries' sea disputes with China as well as the recent United States decision to focus its strategic policy on the Asia Pacific.

China is pushing for its "indisputable sovereignty" over 80 percent of the South China Sea, causing a longstanding territorial row with neighboring Southeast Asian countries including Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

"Both ministers assessed joint activities of the two defense and military establishments and explored other cooperative initiatives to include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation given both countries' experience in natural disasters," the statement added.

Thanh, whose visit ends Tuesday, also renewed an agreement on defense cooperation with the Philippines signed in 2010.

"Defense relations between the two countries have progressed through high-level visits, personal exchanges and information-sharing. These exchanges fostered government-to-government links as well as people-to-people ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries," the DND statement said.

The DND similarly expressed confidence in the Philippines' relations with Vietnam in its agenda to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"The visit of General Thanh to the Philippines clearly reflects the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in jointly developing their defense capabilities and in contributing to regional peace and stability," the agency said.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also visited the country for a meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier this month.

"The two sides agreed to cooperate in ensuring the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea/East Sea, peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law," foreign affairs department said.

Related story: Vietnam vows cooperation with Philippines on sea dispute