Philippines and Germany Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Rising Tensions with China

The Philippines and Germany pledged to enhance their defense cooperation, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. The ministers underscored the importance of long-term military collaboration amid tensions with China over the South China Sea. Germany recently joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea, reinforcing its commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

The Philippines and Germany have committed to concluding a broader defense cooperation arrangement, their defense ministers said in a joint statement on Sunday.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius met with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro in Manila to enhance cooperation between the countries, which are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. The ministers committed to establishing long-term relations between their armed forces to expand training and bilateral exchanges, explore opportunities to expand bilateral armaments cooperation, and engage in joint projects.

Manila and Berlin are deepening military ties as tensions have intensified in recent months between China and the Philippines, which have exchanged accusations over incidents in disputed areas of the South China Sea. The confrontations included charges that China intentionally rammed Manila's navy boats, severely injuring a Filipino sailor. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas claimed as exclusive economic zones by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing's claims lacked legal basis, a ruling China has rejected.

Teodoro and Pistorius reaffirmed that the international tribunal's ruling on the South China Sea is "final and legally binding," according to the joint statement. Germany on Friday joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea, becoming the 18th nation in a group that helps police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has committed to defending the South in the event of a war.

According to Pistorius, this move evidences Berlin's strong belief that European security is closely intertwined with security in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and its partners are expanding alliances and partnerships, including those spanning the globe.

China has expressed concerns about the growing ties between NATO members and Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

(With inputs from agencies.)