China’s Calculated Approaches: A Comparative Look at Its Relations with Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea

6 December 2024

By Mack TK

In the expansive and contentious waters of the South China Sea, the dynamics between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines highlight the complexities of international maritime law, national sovereignty, and the enduring specter of regional conflict. As Beijing continues to assert its claims in this resource-rich area, the variations in its military and diplomatic responses toward Vietnam and the Philippines raise crucial questions about the underlying factors shaping these relationships.

Historically, both Vietnam and the Philippines have contested China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, pointing to the potential for vast oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed, along with rich fishing grounds that sustain the livelihoods of millions. Yet, in the ongoing geopolitical chess game, the treatment of these two Southeast Asian nations by China appears to differ significantly.

Recent reports indicate that China has taken a comparatively restrained approach to Vietnam’s actions in the South China Sea, characterized by cautious military responses to Hanoi’s reclamation efforts in the Spratly Islands. This contrasts sharply with the more aggressive tactics China has employed against the Philippines, particularly in light of the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016. This ruling overwhelmingly favored the Philippines, affirming its rights to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that China has aggressively contested.

One might ask: Why the discrepancy? Several factors contribute to this complex dynamic. First, the historical context plays a pivotal role. Vietnam shares a long and complicated history with China, one that is marked by both conflict and cooperation. The two countries have resolved numerous territorial disputes in the past, and from a strategic standpoint, Vietnam’s assertions may be perceived by China as less provocative compared to actions taken by the Philippines, which have consistently challenged Beijing’s expansive claims.

Moreover, China’s considerable historical ties and bilateral relations with Vietnam enable a level of diplomatic engagement that appears to mitigate direct confrontation. Vietnam’s ongoing land reclamation efforts, while audacious, have not escalated to the same level of hostility that has characterized China’s dealings with the Philippines. Despite Vietnam constructing new infrastructures and increasing its naval presence in the contested waters, China’s military reaction seems calculated, possibly to avoid inflaming tensions that could destabilize the region further.

In contrast, the Philippines’ vocal protests against China’s incursions have led to a different narrative. The country’s previous administrations have taken an assertive stance against Beijing, particularly under President Rodrigo Duterte, who balanced his approach between diplomacy and national sovereignty advocacy. When the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling was issued, it was hailed as a significant diplomatic victory. However, subsequent Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, such as the presence of Chinese fishing vessels in its EEZ, has incited strong reactions from Manila, igniting confrontational exchanges between the two nations.

Enforcing their respective rights in these contested waters falls to the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard. These agencies play crucial roles in asserting control over their nations’ territorial claims, employing various maritime enforcement strategies ranging from surveillance to direct engagement with unauthorized vessels. For Vietnam, the Coast Guard has actively patrolled its claimed waters, making it clear that it will not back down from its assertions. Simultaneously, the Philippines has been ramping up its maritime patrols in response to Chinese activity, reflecting the ongoing tension and the mounting pressure to protect its sovereignty.

The distinct treatment of Vietnam and the Philippines by China underscores a broader strategy that reveals much about China’s regional ambitions and its willingness to exert its influence in varying degrees. While both countries are embroiled in disputes with China—sharing a common interest in safeguarding their territorial waters—the basis on which these conflicts escalate or de-escalate seems to hinge on historical relationships, regional power dynamics, and the current political climate.

As China continues to expand its maritime footprint, the Philippines faces a particularly precarious situation, balancing international support, particularly from the United States, and its own domestic objectives. With ongoing military exercises and strategic partnerships with allies, the Philippines is navigating a complex web of diplomacy that seeks to deter further Chinese advances.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s more restrained interactions with China suggest a different geopolitical strategy, where it seeks to assert its territorial claims without provoking a broader conflict. Vietnam’s history of warfare and territorial disputes with China creates a nuanced landscape, where both pressure and negotiation coexist. The result is a carefully measured assertion of rights that manages to promote national interests while avoiding outright conflict.

In conclusion, the differing approaches taken by China toward Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea illuminate the intricate interplay of history, diplomacy, and military strategy in this vital region. As both countries continue to navigate their respective relationships with China, it becomes increasingly evident that the future of the South China Sea will be shaped not only by territorial assertions but also by the alliances and diplomatic maneuverings that each nation undertakes. The challenge for Vietnam and the Philippines will be to find a balance that protects their sovereign interests while fostering an environment that mitigates conflict in these contested waters. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the world watches closely, fully aware that any change in this dynamic could have far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.