As Philippines, Vietnam close ranks, China adopts ‘divide and conquer’ approach

Manila’s assertive approach contrasts with Hanoi’s ‘low profile’ way of dealing with their respective South China Sea rows, analysts say

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Philippine coastguard personnel wave flags as a Vietnam coastguard patrol ship makes a port call at the Port of Manila, Philippines, on August 5. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:00am, 12 Aug 2024Updated: 8:03am, 12 Aug 2024

China is undertaking a “divide and conquer” approach in dealing with Vietnam and the Philippines over their differences in the South China Sea, according to analysts, as the two Southeast Asian countries seek closer military ties with regional partners, partly to strengthen their capabilities in managing the maritime row.

Beijing’s policy is calibrated accordingly by factoring Manila’s more assertive approach and Hanoi’s “low profile” way of managing the dispute, analysts say.

Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed in the contested waters in recent months, with a constant war of words exchanged between both sides. Among the incidents, Chinese personnel deployed water cannons, boarded Philippine vessels armed with axes and machetes and destroyed equipment to disrupt Manila’s resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal.

In contrast, Vietnam has more avenues for dialogue than the Philippines to defuse tensions with China, according to analysts.

Last Sunday, the Philippines and Germany said they planned to sign a defence agreement later this year to expand cooperation between their armed forces in areas such as military training and weapons procurement.

This comes on the heels of similar agreements signed recently between the Philippines and its allies – the United States, Australia and Japan – to boost military cooperation, including a pact between Manila and Japan to allow the deployment of troops on each other’s soil.