Germany and the Philippines are set to sign a defense cooperation agreement later this year, focusing on enhancing military training and armaments collaboration.

This initiative comes amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, particularly concerning Chinese coast guard ships obstructing Philippine naval supply missions.

During discussions, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which deemed China's claims in the South China Sea illegal and binding.

China's assertion of sovereignty over most of the South China Sea conflicts with claims from several Southeast Asian nations, leading to ongoing regional disputes.

Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines does not seek to provoke China but is committed to protecting its territorial rights and cooperating with other nations based on international law.

Both ministers expressed strong opposition to unilateral actions aimed at expanding territorial claims through force or coercion, underlining their commitment to freedom of navigation.

Pistorius indicated that the defense cooperation agreement could potentially be signed as early as October 2023.

Germany's recent participation in the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea highlights its commitment to enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two ministers also addressed human rights developments in the Philippines, noting improvements since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022.

The South China Sea is vital for global trade, with over $3 trillion in goods passing through annually, representing about 60% of maritime trade.

While the defense cooperation is not aimed at any specific country, Pistorius emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation for all nations, regardless of their size or economic power.