Germany and the Philippines agreed on Sunday to conclude a defence agreement as soon as possible to allow for joint military exercises.
China and the Philippines have traded accusations over clashes in the South China Sea in recent months, including allegations that China deliberately rammed Manila’s navy boats, seriously injuring a Philippine sailor. Beijing disputes this, saying its actions were legal and professional.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro pledged to establish a long-term relationship between their armed forces to enhance training and bilateral exchanges, explore opportunities to expand bilateral arms cooperation and engage in joint projects.
The meeting in Manila was the first such visit by a German defence minister as their countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Germany’s role in the military modernisation of Manila
The Philippines has earmarked $35 billion (32 billion euros) over the next decade to modernise its armed forces to boost external defence capabilities amid escalating tensions with Beijing.
Manila has signed defence cooperation agreements with other countries including the US, Japan, India and Sweden.
Teodoro said the Philippines, seeking to modernise its military to boost external defence, will be “looking to engage Germany as a possible supplier of these capabilities.” Teodoro told a press conference with Pistorius:
These are in the command and control, anti-access aerial denial, maritime domain, aerial domain and in higher technologically capable equipment.
Pistorius said the deal could be signed as early as October.
