PH, New Zealand Forge Closer Military Alliance Amid WPS Dispute

As tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate, the Philippines is actively seeking to strengthen its military and defense partnerships with like-minded nations to enhance regional security and stability. New Zealand has emerged as the latest country to express its commitment to deepening defense ties with the Philippines, following the successful completion of the first round of discussions on establishing a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). This development underscores the growing international concern over the volatile situation in the West Philippine Sea and the need for collaborative efforts to uphold a rules-based international order.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh highlighted the strong political will on both sides to finalize the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), stating, “There is strong political commitment to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, and officials met recently for productive and constructive discussions.” The proposed SOVFA aims to enhance military cooperation and maritime security efforts between the Philippines and New Zealand, mirroring similar agreements the Philippines has with other key allies, including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Canada. These agreements facilitate joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives, which are critical in addressing shared security challenges.

While the SOVFA is not targeted at any specific threat, New Zealand has openly expressed concerns over the aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea. These actions, which include harassment of Philippine vessels and encroachment into the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), have raised alarms among regional and global stakeholders. By strengthening its defense partnership with the Philippines, New Zealand aims to contribute to the collective effort of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the strategic importance of the SOVFA, particularly in countering China’s unilateral attempts to alter international law and norms. “Both countries and multilateral countries [are taking] initiatives to resist China’s unilateral narrative to change international law, so the VFA with New Zealand will be very important for us for that purpose,” Teodoro stated during an event hosted by the New Zealand Embassy to commemorate Waitangi Day. His remarks reflect the Philippines’ broader strategy of leveraging international partnerships to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

The growing interest of nations like New Zealand in forging stronger military ties with the Philippines highlights the increasing recognition of the West Philippine Sea as a critical flashpoint in global geopolitics. The region’s strategic importance, coupled with China’s assertive actions, has prompted countries to rally in support of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations affected by Beijing’s expansive claims. These partnerships not only enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities but also send a strong message of solidarity against coercive tactics and violations of international law.

As discussions on the SOVFA progress, the Philippines and New Zealand are expected to explore additional areas of collaboration, including disaster response, cybersecurity, and defense technology. The agreement is seen as a significant step forward in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations and reinforcing their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines’ proactive approach to building defense alliances reflects its determination to protect its national interests and uphold regional stability. With the support of allies like New Zealand, the country is better positioned to address the complex challenges posed by the West Philippine Sea disputes and contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for the region.

Source: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/935213/ph-new-zealand-seek-stronger-military-ties-amid-wps-tensions/story/