The Philippines and the United States have taken another significant step in strengthening their defense partnership with the signing of a landmark military intelligence-sharing agreement.
The deal, known as the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), was signed on Monday by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro at Manila’s military headquarters.
In addition to signing the agreement, the two leaders broke ground on a new coordination center, designed to enhance collaboration between their armed forces. This move underscores the growing commitment between the two nations to address shared security concerns in the region, particularly in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.
The GSOMIA allows the secure exchange of classified military information, giving the Philippines access to advanced capabilities and paving the way for similar agreements with other like-minded nations.
“Not only will this allow the Philippines access to higher capabilities and big-ticket items from the United States, but it will also open opportunities to pursue similar agreements with like-minded nations,” said Philippine defense ministry spokesperson Arsenio Andolong.
The agreement is a continuation of deepening security engagements between the two nations under U.S. President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both leaders share a vision of countering China’s increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea and surrounding areas.
The U.S. and the Philippines have a long-standing mutual defense treaty, signed in 1951, which commits both nations to support each other in the event of an attack. This agreement could be invoked in situations involving aggression in the South China Sea, a region where tensions with China have steadily escalated.
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In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, siding with the Philippines. However, Beijing rejected the ruling and has continued to assert dominance in the area, resulting in frequent confrontations at sea and in the air.
Secretary Austin emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines during the coordination center’s groundbreaking ceremony. “I want to start by underscoring our ironclad commitment to the Philippines,” Austin said.
The new center, he added, will enable real-time information sharing and improve interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces, enhancing their ability to respond to regional challenges.
China responded critically to the new agreement. The Chinese foreign ministry warned that military agreements or cooperation between countries “must not be directed against or harm the interests of a third party” and should not undermine regional peace or stability.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated the need for “good neighborly relations” and “strategic autonomy” to maintain peace. However, China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea, a critical trade route for over $3 trillion in annual commerce, continue to fuel tensions with its neighbors, including the Philippines.
As the Philippines and the United States bolster their alliance, Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro voiced confidence in the partnership’s enduring strength. He praised the U.S.’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, calling it essential for regional peace and stability.
The intelligence-sharing pact and coordination center signal a renewed commitment to maintaining a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. With China’s assertive actions showing no signs of abating, this strengthened alliance positions both nations to better address the challenges ahead while upholding international law and safeguarding maritime rights.
This partnership not only reflects shared interests but also highlights the broader geopolitical contest shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.