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 the defense relationship and help the two countries deal with 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 through secure channels by the US and Philippine militaries.

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 ceremony for the Manila re-coordination center, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized: "This agreement underscores our unwavering commitment to the Philippines."

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

"This not only allows the Philippines to access advanced intelligence resources from the United States, but also pushes Manila to move toward intelligence-sharing agreements with other friendly countries," said Philippine Defense Department spokesman Arsenio Andolong.

Security engagement between the US and the Philippines has been stepped up under US President Joe Biden as well as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, as both leaders look to jointly address security challenges from China in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

China's foreign ministry commented on the news, saying any kind of military agreement or security cooperation "must not target or harm the interests of a third party, and must not undermine regional peace or increase regional tensions."

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

In line with the results of the US election, the Philippines expressed confidence that the alliance will remain strong under US President-elect Donald Trump.

Tra Khanh (Source: Reuters)

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