In the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea, China's approach to Vietnam contrasts sharply with its more aggressive stance towards the Philippines. While the Philippines has faced significant pressure from Beijing, particularly due to its alliance with the United States, Vietnam's recent land reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands have elicited a muted response from China [72f2336c].
Since November 2023, Vietnam has expanded its land holdings by approximately three square kilometers, a move that typically would provoke a strong reaction from China. However, analysts suggest that Vietnam's low-key diplomatic approach and its growing security ties with China have contributed to this difference in treatment. Recent agreements between Vietnam and China emphasize a commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, further softening Beijing's response [72f2336c].
In contrast, the Philippines has escalated tensions by publicly exposing confrontations with Chinese vessels, which has drawn the ire of Beijing. The strengthening of the US-Philippine alliance through new military agreements has also influenced China's tougher approach towards the Philippines, as it perceives this partnership as a direct challenge to its influence in the region [72f2336c].
Vietnam's restrained international stance allows it to navigate its maritime disputes more effectively, contrasting with the Philippines' confrontational tactics. However, potential future tensions could arise from Vietnam's ongoing island-building activities, which may provoke a shift in China's response if perceived as a threat to its historical claims in the South China Sea [72f2336c].
As Malaysia continues to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea, it remains cautious of the dynamics between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Malaysia's three-pronged policy includes military presence in the Spratly Islands, a rejection of China's nine-dash line claim, and a commitment to economic ties with China while maintaining its territorial integrity [60b11e92].
The Philippines is actively seeking to strengthen alliances with regional partners, emphasizing the importance of ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance in maintaining peace and security in the South China Sea. This diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy to counterbalance China's assertiveness in the region [5541c997].
As the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—express concerns over China's maneuvers, they pledge support to the Philippines, highlighting the need for a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific [1dc49480]. Japan's strengthening defense ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, further illustrate the regional response to China's influence [70d0d64c].
In this evolving narrative, Malaysia's careful balancing act, alongside the contrasting approaches of Vietnam and the Philippines, underscores the complexities of maritime diplomacy in the South China Sea [60b11e92].