Philippines sides with Vietnam in South China Sea dispute, hoping it will ‘return the favour’

However, they also note that while Vietnam may appreciate the gesture, it is unlikely to change its approach to the disputed waterway.

Manila’s National Security Council said it was standing with Vietnam, denouncing what it called “violent and illegal actions of Chinese maritime authorities against Vietnamese fishermen” near the Paracel Islands on September 29.

Vietnam has accused Chinese law enforcement of beating 10 fishermen with iron bars and taking away thousands of dollars’ worth of fish and equipment.