DEFENSE chiefs from the United States and the Philippines signed an agreement on Monday to share sensitive military intelligence and technology, as the long-time treaty allies strengthen their collaboration to oppose Chinese influence in the area.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the agreement with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro at the outset of a trip to Manila that would involve a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos.
The General Security of Military Information Agreement provides for the transfer of classified data that could help a US ally’s national defense, as well as the sale of some classified technologies, according to officials.
Austin and Teodoro did not speak at the signing event, but the Philippine defense department stated that the treaty was “a critical step to enhance information sharing and deepen interoperability between the Philippines and the US”.
It occurs as the Marcos administration responds to Beijing’s territorial claims over the majority of the West Philippines Sea, and as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office.
China has ignored an international finding that its claims have no legal basis, and has deployed navy and coast guard vessels that Manila claims harass its vessels and prevent them from accessing certain reefs and islands in the waters.
In the last 18 months, this has brought about in violent clashes, injuring Filipino troops and causing damage to their vessels.
This has raised concerns that the United States’ mutual defense treaty with the Philippines could lead to an armed war.
According to the Philippine Defense Department, Austin is scheduled to visit the western island of Palawan on Tuesday to speak with Filipino personnel in charge of patrolling the West Philippine Sea and defending outposts.
“President [Ferdinand] Marcos [Jr.] has repeated several times that the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region is essential for maintaining peace and stability in this region. He has said it, no ifs nor buts,” Teodoro reminded.
Meanwhile, Austin stated that the United States’ commitment to the Philippines is “ironclad.”
“We are more than allies; we are family,” he emphasized.
COMBINED COORDINATION CENTERS
Following the agreement, Teodoro and Austin presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Combined Coordination Center at Camp Aguinaldo.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, describes the site as a “vital nexus for our joint operations, a gateway for information sharing and strategic coordination.”
He added that it will improve collaboration during crises, creating an environment where their strengths unite to maintain peace and security in their region.
HUMANITARIAN AID
Meanwhile, Austin stated that he had authorized US Marines to offer direct support in responding to the effects of Super Typhoon Pepito in the Philippines.
He stated that another million dollars in emergency humanitarian aid has been secured to help those affected by the storm.
“I recognize that just yesterday you had yet another horrific storm come through, and our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the people who have been disadvantaged because of not only this storm, but the five storms that preceded this last storm,” Austin remarked.