US and Philippines sign intelligence sharing agreement

On November 18, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, signed a new military intelligence-sharing agreement between the two countries. This agreement is expected to deepen defense relations and help the two countries address common security challenges in the region.

According to Reuters , the General Security of Military Intelligence Agreement, or GSOMIA, will facilitate the exchange of classified information between the U.S. and Philippine militaries through secure channels.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, signed a new intelligence agreement in Manila on November 18. (Photo: CNA)

Speaking at the signing ceremony and groundbreaking for the Manila Coordination Center, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized: "This agreement underscores our unwavering commitment to the Philippines."

Secretary Austin said the coordination center will allow for real-time sharing of military information between the two countries, in line with their mutual defense commitments.

Philippine Department of Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said: "This not only allows the Philippines access to advanced intelligence resources from the US but also encourages Manila to move toward intelligence-sharing agreements with other friendly nations."

Security cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines has been strengthened under both U.S. President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as both leaders sought to work together to address security challenges from China in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Commenting on the information, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that any type of military agreement or security cooperation "should not be aimed at or harm the interests of third parties, and should not undermine regional peace or increase regional tensions."

The United States and the Philippines have always maintained a mutual defense treaty dating back to 1951, which can be used if either side is attacked by the other nation.

Following the results of the US election, the Philippines expressed confidence that its alliance would remain strong under US President-elect Donald Trump.

Tra Khanh (Source: Reuters)

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