Philippines, France Sign Defence Pact to Boost Military Cooperation

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Manila: The Philippines and France have signed a new defence agreement allowing their troops to conduct joint military exercises on each other’s territory, marking Manila’s first such pact with a European nation.

The “Status of Visiting Forces Agreement” was signed in Paris and is aimed at expanding military cooperation between the two countries. According to the Philippine defence department, the deal will serve as a framework for broader joint activities involving both armed forces.

The agreement comes as the Philippines strengthens security ties with international partners amid ongoing tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea. Manila has signed similar agreements in recent years with Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

The development coincided with fresh accusations from the Philippine military, which said Chinese naval forces carried out “dangerous manoeuvres” near Pag-asa Island. Officials reported that a Chinese vessel passed within less than 10 metres of the Philippine ship BRP Benguet during routine operations, raising concerns over safety and escalation.

France has previously participated in regional naval drills alongside the Philippines and the United States, with its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle making a port call in Subic Bay last year.

The new pact, which still requires ratification by both countries’ legislatures, is expected to deepen defence coordination, including potential involvement of French ground forces in future exercises.
Photo Credit: AFP