Analysts refuted a statement from Vietnam's prime minister that called China a threat to regional peace, stressing that an anti-China alliance between Vietnam and the Philippines is unlikely.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held two-way talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino during an official two-day visit to Manila to discuss defense and security and economic and cultural ties.

"China's illegal placement of the oil rig seriously threatens peace, stability, maritime safety and freedom of navigation," the Vietnamese prime minister said in a statement after the meeting at the presidential palace in Manila.

"The two sides are determined to oppose China's violations and called on the international community to condemn China's actions."

Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times that it is no surprise leaders from those two countries find some "common language" on issues related to the South China Sea.

"Nguyen Tan Dung might even wish to push for further cooperation with the Philippines such as supporting the Philippine's plea for international arbitration," he said.

"However, an anti-China political alliance between Vietnam and the Philippines is almost impossible which goes against the reality and future between China and ASEAN countries," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to warn some Asian nations on Wednesday about strengthening military alliances to counter China, saying it would not benefit regional security.

He vowed to peacefully resolve China's territorial disputes, which have intensified in recent years, especially in the South and East China seas.

"To beef up military alliances targeted at a third party is not conducive to maintaining common security in the region," Xi said, following a period when some Asian countries have sought to reaffirm their security ties with Washington.

US President Barack Obama said Monday that a newly inked security pact with the Philippines does not aim to counter a rising China. He made the remarks during the last leg of his Asia tour aimed at reassuring allies of Washington's seriousness in its strategic shift toward the region.

"Unlike the Philippines, which serves as a pawn in the US's Asia rebalance strategy, Vietnam is a lot more careful when it comes to interfering in Sino-US relations and would not easily side with either country," Wu said.

Agencies - Global Times