Germany, Philippines sign defence agreement

Germany and the Philippines have signed a new defence cooperation agreement in Berlin to deepen military and strategic collaboration.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed the pact on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Berlin.

The agreement seeks to expand joint defence activities between both countries amid rising regional security challenges in Southeast Asia.

Manila’s Department of National Defense confirmed the deal on Thursday, May 15, through an official statement to the press.

The new arrangement includes cooperation in cybersecurity, logistics, military technology, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Officials said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to peace, stability, and international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

The partnership comes as the Philippines boosts ties with more countries amid tensions in the South China Sea.

China has continues to assert expansive claims in the disputed waterway, triggering diplomatic protests from Manila.

Philippine forces have experienced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Teodoro described the agreement as a “strategic milestone” in Philippine-European defence engagement during a press conference.

Pistorius echoed similar sentiments, calling the pact “a clear signal of Germany’s commitment to Southeast Asian security.”

The defence ministers previously met in Manila in August 2024 to discuss deepening military cooperation.

That visit laid the groundwork for Wednesday’s defence pact, according to both governments.

Germany has shown growing interest in Indo-Pacific stability, deploying naval assets to the region in recent years.

The agreement with the Philippines is part of Berlin’s broader plan to expand defence links outside Europe.

Manila has been actively diversifying its military alliances beyond its traditional partner, the United States.

In April, the Philippines signed a defence pact with New Zealand to enhance joint training and maritime security.

A similar agreement with Canada is also in final stages and expected to be signed soon.

Officials said these partnerships are not aimed at any specific country but are focused on regional stability.

Germany becomes the latest Western country to formalize defence cooperation with Manila amid strategic shifts in Asia.

The defence cooperation will include officer exchanges, joint drills, and training on modern defence systems.

Both countries pledged to explore future collaboration in naval logistics and joint peacekeeping missions.

Teodoro said expanding cooperation with Germany strengthens the Philippines’ overall defence architecture.

Pistorius affirmed Germany’s readiness to support capacity-building efforts of partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.

The deal also opens the door to information sharing and technical support for defence modernization programs.

Analysts said the agreement reflects growing concern in Europe over China’s assertiveness in global maritime domains.

The Philippines remains committed to peaceful dialogue but insists on defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Germany reiterated its support for international maritime law and the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring Manila’s claims.

The two defence ministers concluded talks with a joint call for rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

The defence agreement takes immediate effect and will be reviewed periodically for possible expansion.

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