Philippines and Germany to Sign Defence Pact

On August 4, the Philippines and Germany announced plans to sign a defence cooperation arrangement this year, emphasizing their commitment to uphold a rules-based international order in the face of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Recent months have seen heightened exchanges of accusations between China and the Philippines, particularly following incidents where Chinese vessels allegedly rammed Philippine navy boats, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro outlined their intention to strengthen long-term military relations, which will include expanded training, bilateral exchanges, and potential joint projects in armaments. The backdrop of this cooperation is China's extensive claims over the South China Sea, which conflict with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian nations. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's claims, a decision that Beijing continues to reject. Pistorius highlighted Germany's recent integration into the US-led United Nations Command in South Korea, marking its commitment to regional security. He asserted that Germany's actions are not aimed at any specific nation but are focused on maintaining a rules-based order and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical for global trade. Teodoro reiterated that the Philippines does not seek conflict with China, attributing tensions to Beijing's "illegal and unilateral" claims in the South China Sea. Last month, Manila reached a provisional agreement with China to facilitate resupply missions in the contested waters, aiming to mitigate tensions and manage ongoing disputes.