It’s a sign of growing security ties between two Southeast Asian nations the Philippines and Vietnam as troops from both countries played soccer and sang karaoke on South China Sea Island on Wednesday.
Amid the unwavering claim of China on the contested waterway, the cooperation between two countries has blossomed since they dropped decades of enmity over their competing claims in the Spratly archipelago.
Senior Philippine naval officials said sports such as soccer and volleyball games were being held on the island of Northeast Cay.
They said, a Vietnamese navy ship had earlier brought about 60 sailors to the island.
“We will have good time together. These activities are helping raise the comfort level of troops in the disputed area and will strengthen relations between our two navies,” official who declined to be identified said.
China has earlier warned Philippine and US military aircraft away from Spratlys upon claiming the potentially energy-rich waters.
The rising tension between Beijing and Washington continues as both accused each other of stoking instability.
H/T: GMA News; Photo lifted from Google.