ASEAN Beat | Diplomacy | Southeast Asia

Philippines, Vietnam Upgrade Diplomatic Partnership Amid Maritime Tensions With China

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that maintaining peace, stability, and the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea “remains non-negotiable” for both nations.

Vietnamese President To Lam and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shake hands during a meeting at the Malacañang Palace in Manila, Philippines, Jun. 1, 2026.

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to elevate their relationship to an enhanced strategic ​partnership, President Ferdinand Marcos said today in Manila, while hosting Hanoi’s top leader To Lam.

Lam arrived in the Philippines yesterday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations, the first ever by a leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

During a joint press conference following his meeting with Lam, Marcos said that the ​Philippines and Vietnam shared a common interest ​in “maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based order in our region” at a time of growing global instability.

Marcos said that the elevation of the partnership “reaffirms Vietnam’s unique and enduring position as the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in Southeast Asia.” The future of the relationship, he added, will be “defined by wider pathways for cooperation, stronger ​political and defense cooperation, and closer linkages between ​the Filipino and Vietnamese people.”

In response, Lam described the Philippines as an “important ​regional partner of ​Vietnam,” stating that the two nations were united by their commitment to peace and ​stability. “We always wish to work closely with the Philippines to further elevate our strategic partnership to a greater height with ever increasing substance, comprehensiveness and effectiveness,” he added.

Lam also laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Manila, and was set to visit the Philippine Senate. However, the latter was reportedly canceled, presumably due to the cloud of political controversy that is currently engulfing the chamber.

Lam’s visit comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hanoi and Manila, which falls on July 12. It also comes 10 years after the two nations upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, in large part due to their shared concern about........

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