In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the first PN-Vietnamese People’s Navy (VPN) personnel interaction includes cultural presentations and sports activities aimed at fostering friendly relations between the two countries.
Also, it said PN-VPN personnel interaction at the Southwest Cay Island will focus on discussions regarding interoperability and best practices in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
“[The] discussion is very timely as the south Asian region is now entering the southwest monsoon season,” it said.
According state weather bureau PAGASA, southwest monsoon is characterized by heavy rainfall that may last for a week.
A Reuters report published last April, said a 40-member delegation from the Philippines will head to Southwest Cay to drink beer and play volleyball with Vietnamese sailors.
The islet, called by Manila as Pugad Island, used to belong to the Philippines until it was seized by Vietnamese forces in 1975, when the Philippine naval detachment stationed in the area transferred to the nearby Northeast Cay (Parola Island) for an event.
Southwest Cay is now held by Vietnam, although both Manila and Hanoi continue to stake their claims over the islet, the Reuters report said.
Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam and China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also claim portions or the entirety of the Spratlys.
Also in the statement on Sunday, the Philippine Navy said the PN-VPN activity is proof that “disputes do not hinder development of practical and tangible cooperation between the two naval forces.”
International condemnation
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said during his visit to Manila last May that the Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to oppose China’s “aggression” in the South China Sea.
In a joint statement Dung and President Benigno Aquino III called for international condemnation against Beijing for its aggressive moves in disputed sea areas.
Tension between China and Vietnam has escalated further after Beijing’s “illegal placement” of a giant oil rig deep into Hanoi’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.
Malacañang, however, belied claims Dung’s visit was evidence that the two countries were scheming against China.
Last week, a United Nations-backed international arbitral tribunal ordered China to submit on Dec. 15, 2014 its response to the Philippines’ claim that Beijing illegally occupied certain areas in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has argued that China illegally occupied at least eight South China Sea shoals, reefs and similar features belonging to the Philippines.
China, however, continues to insist it has “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea. — Xianne Arcangel /LBG, GMA News
