With New Zealand the latest to join, the Philippines is building a network of defence partners amid South China Sea tensions
The Interpreter, Lowy Institute
“This latest deal with New Zealand adds to the Philippines’ wide network of security partners. It is the fourth such deal by the Philippines to allow foreign troops to operate in the country, adding to the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, 2012 Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. The three existing agreements with these countries are also part of the so-called ‘Squad’, a minilateral grouping that seeks to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines is expected to sign a similar agreement with Canada by mid-2025, while France has also proposed a deal. Its expanding bilateral security cooperation further reinforces what the Lowy Institute’s 2024 Asia Power Index regards as the Philippines’ strongest advantage.”