In a significant diplomatic development, South Korea and the Philippines have upgraded their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This decision, announced on October 7, 2024, during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to Manila, marks a new chapter in the 75-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
The strategic partnership focuses on enhancing defense and security cooperation between these U.S. treaty allies. Both countries, facing regional challenges, have agreed to strengthen collaboration between their coast guards and modernize the Philippine military with South Korean assistance.
President Yoon and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed pressing regional issues, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Marcos emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order, stating:
"As the geopolitical environment is only becoming more complex, we must work together to achieve prosperity for our peoples and to promote a rules-based order governed by international law."
The South China Sea, rich in natural resources, has been a source of contention, with the Philippines experiencing several maritime incidents involving Chinese vessels in recent years. These encounters have resulted in injuries to Filipino personnel and damage to supply boats.
President Yoon reaffirmed the international community's stance against North Korea's nuclear programs and provocations. He suggested that North Korea's recent disclosure of a nuclear facility might be an attempt to attract U.S. attention ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.
This strategic partnership builds on a long history of cooperation. The Philippines was the first Asian country to send combat troops to support South Korea during the 1950-1953 Korean War. Today, South Korea stands as one of the Philippines' top trading partners, with both nations being members of the United Nations and APEC.
The alliance also reflects the ongoing military modernization efforts of both countries. The Philippines initiated its military modernization program in 2012, while South Korea boasts one of Asia's most technologically advanced militaries.
President Yoon's Southeast Asia tour will continue with visits to Singapore, known for its advanced military technology, and Laos, the region's only landlocked country. He is scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos, an organization established in 1967.
This strategic partnership represents a significant step in regional cooperation, as both nations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. It underscores the importance of alliances in maintaining stability and promoting shared interests in an increasingly interconnected world.