US and Philippine defense chiefs signed an agreement yesterday on sharing classified military information and technology, as the long-time treaty allies deepen cooperation in a bid to counter Chinese influence in the region.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin signed the deal with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro at the start of a visit to Manila that also included a closed-door meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The General Security of Military Information Agreement allows for the sharing of classified information that could benefit a US ally’s national defense, and streamlines the sale of certain classified technologies, officials said.
Photo: AFP
It would give the Philippines access to “higher capabilities and big-ticket items” from the US and “open opportunities to pursue similar agreements with like-minded nations,” Philippine Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
Austin and Teodoro also held a ground-breaking ceremony for a combined command and coordination center inside the Philippine military’s headquarters in Manila.
“This center will enable real-time information sharing for a common operating picture. It will help boost interoperability for many, many years to come,” Austin said.
“It will be a place where our forces can work side by side to respond to regional challenges,” he added.
Philippine Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner said the center would “enhance our ability to collaborate during crises, fostering an environment where our strengths combine to safeguard peace and security in our region.”
The Philippine Department of National Defense said Austin is due to visit the western island of Palawan today for a meeting with Filipino forces responsible for patrolling the South China Sea and defending outposts.
Austin’s visit comes as the Marcos government pushes back against Beijing’s territorial claims over most of the South China Sea and as US president-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office.
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