China-Vietnam hotline sets example for handling of maritime disputes

That China and Vietnam have agreed to establish a hotline between the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command and the Vietnamese navy reflects the strategic mutual trust that exists between the two countries. The latest development indicates that the two sides do not want their territorial disputes in the South China Sea to impinge on their friendly relations, as the Philippines has allowed to happen.

The move comes at a time when tensions are high in the South China Sea, mainly because Manila, supported and encouraged by Washington, has been taking increasingly aggressive actions to challenge China's territorial sovereignty over Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island. The provocative and confrontational trespassing of the Philippines in the surrounding waters has led to several standoffs between Philippine and Chinese coastguard vessels in recent months.

On Thursday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took part in trilateral talks with the US and Japanese leaders in Washington, during which US President Joe Biden once again hyped up the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines. Notably, the summit was held just days after the three countries and Australia carried out joint military drills in the South China Sea. The Philippine leader should understand that, as Vietnam has shown, it is a common aspiration of regional countries to make the South China Sea one of peace and cooperation, and stirring up trouble by seeking help from external forces only jeopardizes regional peace and stability.