Uganda, Feb. 16 -- The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam is based on "amity, equity, mutual respect, and cooperation." Both countries are committed to peacefully resolving territorial disputes and ensuring a rules-based international order in the South China Sea. They aim to increase defense cooperation to combat security threats. This partnership sends a clear signal that small claimant states can converge to strengthen their collective stance against China's assertive actions in the region.

Additionally, Japanand Germany have recently signed a military treatyaimed at intensifying their defense cooperation. The treaty, known as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), facilitates the presence of visiting forces and...