Germany and the Philippines close a defense collaboration agreement given the escalation of the South China Sea conflict. The US will provide 500 million dollars for military aid.
In a significant strategic move, Filipinas and Germany have taken a step forward in their bilateral relationship, committing to sign a defense cooperation agreement this year. This commitment, announced on Sunday, marks an important milestone in relations between both countries, which celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.
He German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, made a historic visit to Manila, being the first in his position to do so. During his meeting with his Filipino counterpart, Gilberto Teodoroboth countries expressed their firm intention to uphold the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
What does this new agreement imply?
This agreement seeks establish long-term relationships between the armed forces of both countries, with the objective of:
- Expand training and bilateral exchanges
- Explore opportunities to expand bilateral arms cooperation
- Participate in joint projects
Philippines, in its search for modernize its armed forces and improve its external defense, sees in Germany a potential provider of advanced capabilities. Teodoro detailed that these capabilities include “command and control, denial of air access, maritime dominance, air dominance and equipment with greater technological capacity.”
Rising tensions in the China Sea
He strengthening military ties between Manila and Berlin occurs in a context of rising tensions in the South China Sea. Recently, China and the Philippines have exchanged accusations over clashes in disputed areas, including allegations that China intentionally rammed Philippine naval vessels, causing serious injuries to a Filipino sailor.
The conflict in the South China Sea is complex, with China claiming sovereignty over most of this strategic zone, including areas that Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia consider as their exclusive economic zones. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration of The Hague ruled that Beijing’s claims had no legal basisa decision that China rejects.
Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s position on this ruling, stating: “This ruling remains valid, without exceptions. It is our obligation to strengthen the maritime border and we are complying with it.”
The strategic and economic importance of the South China Sea is undeniable, with more than $3 trillion in maritime trade passing through its waters each year.
For his part, Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines does not seek to provoke China nor does it desire a conflict, but reiterated Manila’s position that “the only cause of conflict in the waterway is China’s illegal and unilateral attempt to seize most, if not all, of the South China Sea.”
NATO has also expressed its concern
Growing cooperation between NATO members and Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines has generated concern in Chinaespecially as Washington and its partners expand their global alliances and partnerships.
Recently, Germany joined the US-led United Nations Command in South Koreabecoming the 18th nation in a group that helps police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and pledges to defend South Korea in the event of war.
USA has announced the approval of a 500 million dollar package as an aid to foster and improve the military defense of the Philippines.
Pistorius emphasized that this movement demonstrates the Berlin’s strong belief that European security is closely linked to security in the Indo-Pacific region. He also assured that Germany’s commitments and commitments in the region “are not directed against anyone,” but rather focus on “maintaining the rules-based order, ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting trade routes.”
This defense cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Germany represents a significant step in Indo-Pacific geopoliticsreflecting the growing importance of the region in global security strategy and the commitment of Western powers to maintaining the rules-based international order.
