Vietnam and Philippines mark 50 years of diplomatic ties and reaffirm South China Sea stance
Vietnam and the Philippines commemorated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on 12 July 2026, upgrading their cooperation to a "Enhanced Strategic Partnership". The celebration highlighted deepening collaboration in defence, security, maritime affairs and trade, with both governments pledging to expand economic exchanges beyond the current $7.8 billion yearly volume.
On the same day, Vietnam’s foreign ministry reiterated its position on the South China Sea dispute, marking the ten‑year anniversary of the 2016 tribunal ruling that rejected China’s historic‑nine‑line claim. Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the sole legal framework for resolving maritime disputes, urging all parties to honour their obligations under the convention.
The twin announcements underscore the broadening bilateral partnership while reinforcing Vietnam’s legal stance on regional maritime issues.