Philippines, Vietnam close ranks on South China Sea as To Lam visits

During a visit to Manila on Monday, Vietnamese leader To Lam and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met to discuss the South China Sea. Both leaders emphasized the critical importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the strategically vital waterway, where China asserts extensive claims. President Marcos Jr. stated that peace, stability, and unimpeded passage in the South China Sea are non-negotiable for both nations, as they are fellow claimant states. To Lam indicated that he and Marcos Jr. agreed on the necessity for closer coordination to effectively address evolving regional and global circumstances for the benefit of peace, stability, and development.