Vietnam, Philippines to deepen strategic ‘alignment’ on 50th anniversary of ties

AI Summary

Vietnam and the Philippines are aiming to deepen their strategic partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, despite overlapping South China Sea claims. Vietnamese leader To Lam's upcoming visit to Manila underscores the focus on cooperation in trade and food security.

Vietnam and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, but as Vietnamese President and Communist Party leader To Lam heads to Manila next week, analysts say the two neighbours are increasingly focused on what they can do together rather than what divides them. Lam’s two-day state visit on Sunday and Monday comes as both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnership, with Manila and Hanoi seeking to deepen cooperation on trade, food...