The Philippines and South Korea are strengthening maritime cooperation amid tensions in the South China Sea

The Philippines and South Korea have expressed their commitment to deepen maritime cooperation in response to China’s growing claims over the South China Sea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos met in Manila and agreed to forge closer ties between their coast guards, News.Az reported, citing foreign media.

Yoon said they will strengthen “tackling cross-border crime, sharing information and conducting search and rescue missions.”

“We shared a common understanding on the importance of peace, stability and security in the South China Sea,” Yoon told reporters after the bilateral meeting.

“Our two countries will continue to work together to establish a rules-based maritime order and for freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the principles of international law in the South China Sea,” he added.

South Korea has repeatedly responded to tensions in the disputed waters.

News.Az