In just the last few months, the Philippines has deepened its military ties with countries near and far—Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and of course, the United States. These expanding defense partnerships come at a time of mounting tension in the South China Sea, with China’s activities growing bolder and more aggressive. For Manila, the message is clear: strengthen alliances or risk being left behind.
This shift in defense strategy didn’t happen overnight. It’s been building for years—but 2024 and 2025 have accelerated things.
Germany Steps In — With More Than Just Words
The May 2025 defense agreement between Germany and the Philippines might have surprised some observers, but not those who’ve been paying attention. Back in September 2024, Berlin deployed two warships to the Indo-Pacific as part of its mission to uphold international law and keep vital sea lanes open. It was a strong move, and now it’s being followed up with real cooperation.
The new pact includes cybersecurity collaboration, logistics, and training opportunities. For Germany, it’s part of a broader strategy to become more visible in Asia. For the Philippines, it means one more democratic partner willing to step up.
From Wellington to Tokyo: More Partners on Board
The Philippines isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. In April 2025, it signed a troop agreement with New Zealand—another sign that smaller Indo-Pacific nations are growing uneasy about the region’s future. The agreement focuses on interoperability, training, and joint humanitarian efforts.
Japan, meanwhile, has taken things further. In December 2024, the Philippine Senate ratified a military access agreement allowing Japanese troops to operate on Philippine soil during joint drills and humanitarian missions. This is more than symbolic; it breaks new ground in Japan’s post-war defense policy and reflects growing trust between the two nations.
Canada also entered the picture in March 2025. While Ottawa’s presence in the region has traditionally been low-profile, this new agreement will pave the way for future troop visits and intelligence-sharing. It’s not flashy—but it’s strategic.
The Backbone: U.S.–Philippines Military Drills
The United States remains the cornerstone of Manila’s defense network. The Balikatan exercises in April 2025 brought over 14,000 troops together for large-scale training near the West Philippine Sea. There were missile launches, amphibious landings, and coastal defense operations. Officially, China wasn’t mentioned. Unofficially, it was the elephant in the room.
The U.S. has also begun upgrading Philippine military bases near flashpoint areas, helping to ensure that future resupply missions to disputed zones can continue without delay. It’s all part of a broader deterrence plan—and the Philippines is clearly leaning into it.
Why These Defense Partnerships Matter
This isn’t just about symbolic diplomacy. These defense partnerships are reshaping the security map of Southeast Asia. What was once a bilateral U.S.–Philippines arrangement has now become a multi-country support network.
Each nation brings something different: Germany offers long-range capability and European visibility, Japan brings technology and experience in maritime surveillance, New Zealand adds regional solidarity, and Canada strengthens logistics and coordination. And the United States? It remains the strategic anchor.
For the Philippines, these ties are essential—not just to protect its maritime territory, but to assert its place as a serious player in regional security.
