MANILA, Philippines – Filipino and Vietnamese troops played volleyball and football in the contested Spratlys on Sunday (June 8th), a landmark act of sports diplomacy that both sides said could ease territorial tensions, AFP reported.

The games were hosted by Vietnam on one of the islands it controls in the contested South China Sea archipelago, Philippine Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said.

"These kinds of activities will ease up tensions," he said.

The Philippine navy offered to host next year's games, with officials hoping other claimant countries would also be able to join.