[Philippines-Vietnam] Private Meeting in Hanoi

[HeadlessSeeker]

"I do appreciate the offer, but we have access to our own patrol vessels at this time. Specifically the TT-400TP, TT-200, TT-150, 9014 class, and OPV-1200. We can get started on building up our coast guard ASAP. As for our relationship with Taiwan, well it is a straightforward one. We have recognized them as being China, for rather obvious reasons. So yes, we have recognized them as being a independent state from the PRC. I also believe that we can count on them when it comes to the PRC, as they are already conducting intelligence operations to secure themselves again the PRC at this time."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

"Philippines doesn't have a problem with Taiwan. Although Philippines haven't officially recognized them as an independent state from the PRC; we do have some good economic relationship with them. We are just hesitant in partnering with them in "critical" undertakings such as these talks we are doing is because they might get other countries unnecessarily involved, given that they reaching out more to countries several thousands of miles away from Southeast Asia.

But as you said, Taiwan can be dependable when the inevitable comes: the war against China. And from what we've learned, Taiwan has fully supported Vietnam during the Asian ICJ nominations.

Perhaps we can conduct a Tripartite meeting with Taiwan after we finish this meeting."

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Yes, I do believe a tripartite meeting including them would be warranted after we have finished here. I believe out of all the nations actively present in Asia they can be the most dependable to side with us. Others are of questionable leanings and may see the situation as an operation to insert themselves. Even if that is on the wrong side of history going forward, thus as you have alluded to we need to be careful about who to include in these meetings. Especially considering our own history with alliances and how they have torn themselves apart from the inside out. However I also believe Australia could be a so called face of reason if war comes, and would be valuable to have speaking in favor of us. So if anything we should boost relations with certain nations."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

The beautiful DFA representative, Maja Salvador, would reply:

"Regarding Australia, we haven't officially made contact with their government. President Duterte do plan to visit Australia by next month or after he has concluded his state visit tours with other countries. So yes, we fully agree with you. The more countries we get on our side, the better."

Across the table, SecDef Lorenzana, BFAR Director Gongona, and SAP Bong Go are seen discreetly discussing among themselves. After a few seconds, SecDef Lorenzana spoke in a serious voice:

"Gentlemen, pardon for interjecting this, but it appears that our Philippine Coast Guard has spotted Chinese Navy ships patrolling inside the Spratly Islands - particularly within the Subi Reef area. And that is inside Vietnam's EEZ."

DFA representative Maja Salvador would respond:

"Hmmm.... it's a clear violation of SEction 4 Paragraph III of the GA Resolution for the Law of the Seas. This must be brought into attention to the Global Assembly asap."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Yes... that is a very clear violation. Within our EEZ no less..." the general would say as someone was buzzed into the room. It was his assistant and then came up to the Minister of National defense with urgency. Whispering in his ear about something causing him to give a slight nod."Is that all?" he would ask audibly slightly louder then a whisper. When his assistant nodded he dismissed them and they were escorted out of the room."I have been informed that we were contacted about this earlier, and that our military is already responding to the situation. We have deployed two D-21 drones which will be dropping off their film and camera over Taiwan before splashing down in Philippine waters. I would greatly appreciate Philippine cooperation on retrieving the drones after they splash down. Also, I look forward to seeing this move forward in the GA."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

SecDef Lorenzana would reply:

"No problem. We will assist in the recovery of your drone.".

SecDef Lorenzana excuse himself for a few minutes to make private phonecalls back at the Philippines for the recovery of the Vietnamese drones.

Meanwhile, DFA representative Maja Salvador would continue:

"Ok Sirs, so just an recap of what we have accomplished so far with our talks. Let's me list it down.

#1 - We have closed the issues between Philippines and Vietnam with regards to our respective claim which overlaps oue EEZ.

#2 - We have agreed to split among ourselves (Philippines and Vietnam) the claiming of the 19 still unoccupied land features within the Spratly Island Group

#3 - We have discussed what to do with the China claims as well as who will reclaim which land feature being claimed/illegally occupied by China.

#4 - We have acknowledge to include Taiwan in future talks.

#5 - We have agreed to take legal actions against China first before going for military options.

#6 - We have acknowledge to explore the possibility to get Australia on our side.

Please refer to the current table and tell me if I missed out anything."

Current Status of the Spratly Island Group and other Island Group within South China Sea - revision 3 ​

"If nothing is missed so far, then we are left with these topics:

1. The Taiwanese claims inside Spratly Island Group. They are currently claiming 2 land features: Itu Aba Island and the Zhongziu Jio Reef, both are inside Philippines' 200-nm EEZ. Philippines will definitely raise this serious issue with Taiwan because afterall, their claims are more than 900 nautical miles from Taiwan. Philippines will definitely demand for the Itu Aba Island and the Zhongziu Jio Reef. This is our only issue with Taiwan. We don't have any issue with them claiming the Pratas Island Group (which is not part of Spratly Island Group anyway) despite the Pratas Islands being closer to Philippines. What is Vietnam's opinion on this?

2. What's our action plan on the Spratly claims of Malaysia? I suggest we just let Malaysia keep their claims and treat it as a non-issue."

3. Other non-Spratly island groups in the South china Sea namely: Paracel Islands, Scarborough Shoal, Pratas Island, and Macclesfield Bank. I have already omitted the Natuna Islands since it's obviously for Indonesia.


These are the 3 things left for discussion." [/color]

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"I believe the issue of Pratas Islands can be left alone as you said, however I believe it might be useful to not approach the issue of their current Spratly Claims. While I agree their claims are unjustified it may be more useful to not raise the issue until after matters with the PRC are settled. Taking it one step at a time would help keep them from being driven into the arms of anyone else, even as unlikely as it may be. But, that it one hundred percent up to you. But if anything we should set aside other claims aside until the PRC is dealt with. If going after Taiwan's claims that would not apply to them of course."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

"Very well. We shall reconsider our stance on Taiwan's claim. And so far, we have discussed pretty much everything between Philippines and Vietnam. We can have this meeting adjourned, and resume talks with Taiwan with us here in Hanoi. Let's invite Taiwan for a tripartite meeting."

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Agreed, we can resume the talks with them involved. After we have gotten them on board we can move onto pressing our claim in the GA. Other then that..." he would say with a pause before looking to his colleagues whom had nothing else to add."Good, I think we can end this meeting then. It has been a pleasure discussing this with you." he would say before standing up."We can have you back safely at the airport in no time." he would add as the others would also get up."We will see you off of course." he said with a smirk.

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

SAP Bong Go, SecDef Lorenzana, BFAR Director Gongona, and Ms. Salvador would shake hands with their Vietnamese host. SAP Bong Go would also speak with General Lich:

"It's my pleasure being here, General Lich. Truly we have accomplished so much. We will resume with talks but next time with Taiwan on our side. Until then, lets just closely coordinate and cooperate with each other. Philippines will always support Vietname both legally and militarily."

They would then go back to Hanoi airport for Kayalaan Two. Once the Embraer Lineage 1000 is ensured safe for air travel, all the Filipino delegation will board Kalayaan Two . The plane will then depart immediately back for Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Metro Manila.