US EditionNew Zealand, Phillippines sign troops deal in 'deteriorating' strategic environment
- The Philippines and New Zealand signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement on April 30, 2025, in Manila to allow joint military exercises and deployments.
- This pact follows Manila's ongoing efforts under President Marcos Jr. To strengthen security alliances amid increasing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
- China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, frequently deploying coast guard and navy vessels that have engaged in aggressive maneuvers against Philippine ships, causing collisions and injuries.
- Defense Secretary Teodoro stated the Philippines will continue building alliances to deter "China’s aggression," while New Zealand Defence Minister Collins affirmed commitment to upholding the international rules-based order.
- The agreement awaits Philippine Senate ratification and signals ongoing regional security cooperation, with similar pacts pending with Canada and recent ties deepening with Japan.
32 Articles
32 Articles
PHL, NZ sign visiting forces agreement for ‘more seamless’ defense - BusinessWorld Online
By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter THE Philippines and New Zealand on Wednesday signed a visiting forces agreement (VFA) that would bolster military cooperation and let their armed forces hold joint exercises in each other’s territories. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Anne Collins signed the military pact at the presidential palace in Manila, making Wellington the fourth coun…
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New Zealand, Phillippines sign troops deal in 'deteriorating' strategic environment
The Philippines and New Zealand signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing the deployment of troops on each other's territory, a move aimed at bolstering security in a "deteriorating" strategic environment.
PH, New Zealand sign visiting forces deal
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and New Zealand on Wednesday signed a defense deal that will enable both nations' armed forces to conduct joint exercises. The Status Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) was signed by New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in a ceremony in Malacañang. The signing followed a commitment made by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand Marcos…
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