Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties, say South China Sea peace 'non-negotiable'

MANILA - The Philippines and Vietnam are elevating their ties to an enhanced strategic partnership, reaffirming that shared commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea is "non-negotiable," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday during a state visit by Vietnam's top leader To Lam to Manila.

Marcos said there is no doubt the Philippines and Vietnam share a common interest in maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based order in their region, adding that the partnership has become more important as the region navigates an evolving and uncertain global environment.

• Marcos said the deeper ties would be "defined by wider pathways for cooperation, stronger political and defence cooperation, and closer linkages between the Filipino and Vietnamese people."

• Vietnam is the Philippines' lone strategic partner in the ASEAN region, after they upgraded ties 10 years ago in a show of unity against China.

• Marcos said Manila and Hanoi reaffirmed that maintaining peace, stability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea "remains non-negotiable."

• He added that both countries "remain resolute in their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes," grounded on international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS treaty and the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award.

• To Lam said the Philippines is an "important regional partner of Vietnam", citing a similar vision and strategic interests, and strong commitments for peace and stability. "We always want to bring the strategic partnership with the Philippines to a new high."

• To Lam said he and Marcos agreed to have closer coordination to "effectively respond" to regional and global challenges.

• The Philippines and Vietnam signed deals on defense cooperation, information and technology, tourism and education.

• Speaking after the meeting with Marcos, To Lam said Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to enhance security and defence cooperation.

• He said they will also seek to boost economic ties and will work together to ensure food security.

• Vietnam is the largest supplier of rice to the Philippines.

• The Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards held their first joint exercises in 2024, despite overlapping claims to some South China Sea features.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Nestor Corrales; Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi; Editing by John Mair and Thomas Derpinghaus)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 12:38 AM.