Vietnam showed off its two most powerful warships yesterday in the first-ever port call to the Philippines, but an official said it was not trying to challenge China's Sea.
Hanoi invited the diplomatic community to its Russian built missile-guided frigates docked in Manila Bay at the start of a three-day goodwill visit.
China lays claim to almost all of the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich in minerals and oil-and-gas- deposits. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam ans Taiwan also have claims, creating one of Asia's biggest possible flashpoints.
"We are trying to hold joint patrols and operations in the Spratlys. including search-and-rescue operations." said a Philippine naval official, referring to a dispute island chain. He declined to be identified because he was not authorised to talk to the press.
"We are not trying to challenge China's naval superiority in the dispute ares. We have no intention to heighten any tension. These Are peaceful activities, like sharing od experiences and best practics.