The Philippines and Vietnam have signed an agreement to strengthen maritime defense cooperation. Both countries have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro held talks on Friday with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang, who is visiting Manila.
The two signed a document to strengthen cooperation in the field of humanitarian aid at sea and disaster relief.
After the meeting, Teodoro said the issues the two countries face will not prevent their cooperation from going ahead.
Giang responded by saying the two nations are “active and responsible members of the ASEAN community.”
In the South China Sea earlier this week, a Philippine vessel became the latest to be blocked by Chinese Coast Guard ships with water cannon.
Analysts believe the Philippines is aiming to keep China in check by deepening security cooperation with Vietnam.
Earlier this month, the two countries held their first joint coast guard exercise in Manila Bay, which faces the South China Sea.