Vietnam and the Philippines are set to enhance their strategic alignment during President To Lam's visit to Manila, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. The focus is on strengthening cooperation despite overlapping South China Sea claims.

Vietnam and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, but as Vietnamese President and Communist Party leader To Lam heads to Manila next week, analysts say the two neighbours are increasingly focused on what they can do together rather than what divides them. Lam’s two-day state visit on Sunday and Monday comes as both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnership, with Manila and Hanoi seeking to deepen cooperation on trade, food...