Joint Press Release of the 11th Meeting of the Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns Between the Republic of the Philippines and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
MANILA 19 July 2025 - The 11th Meeting of the Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns between the Republic of the Philippines and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (hereinafter, the 11th JPWG-MOC) was conducted from 17 to 18 July 2025 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Delegation was led by Hon. Marshall Louis M. Alferez, Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, Department of Foreign Affairs. The Vietnamese Delegation was led by Hon. Trinh Duc Hai, Chairman, National Boundary Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two delegations affirmed the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Viet Nam, especially with regard to maritime concerns. Noting the complexity of the situation in the South China Sea, the two delegations agreed that maritime cooperation serves to enhance the Strategic Partnership and contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region. This cooperation is also a strong demonstration of the commitment of both sides to uphold the stability and order in the South China Sea based on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two delegations reviewed the implementation of the Understanding on Incident Prevention and Management in the South China Sea and acknowledged the deepening cooperation between the two countries on maritime safety, maritime security, seafaring, marine scientific research, marine environmental protection, limits of relevant maritime zones, promotion of the law of the sea, and other areas in marine and maritime cooperation. The two delegations also agreed to continue their productive and constructive collaboration and consultation in the abovementioned areas.
The two delegations exchanged views on recent developments in the South China Sea and expressed concerns about unilateral activities that undermine the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states as entitled under international law. Both sides underscored the importance of upholding international law, particularly the UNCLOS. They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolve disputes in the South China Sea by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, and full respect for legal and diplomatic processes.
The two delegations affirmed their commitment to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, that is in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS, in line with the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive COC. In this regard, they agreed to continue to consult closely with each other as well as all relevant parties in the COC negotiations.
The maritime cooperation mechanism between Viet Nam and the Philippines was established in 2004 and is a major pillar in the relations between the two countries. It continues to play a significant role in strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, as well as in promoting the rights and interests of each side, especially in the South China Sea. END
