Philippines and Lithuania Forge Security Pact Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The Philippines and Lithuania have solidified a security alliance through a newly signed agreement, driven by shared concerns over aggressive actions impacting their regions, notably from China. This memorandum of understanding was officiated in Manila by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene. As part of this alliance, the two countries will enhance cooperation in defense sectors such as cybersecurity, defense industries, munitions production, and maritime security. This agreement seeks to preempt counteraction against a perceived authoritarian coalition comprising Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, as remarked by Sakaliene at a previous international defense forum in Singapore. Chinese officials have not yet issued a response to these claims.

Concerns over China's activities, particularly in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan, have prompted this alliance. Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated, with confrontations involving water cannons and aggressive naval maneuvers. China's extensive territorial claims, recently invalidated by a 2016 international arbitration decision, continue to spark incidents and diplomatic strain, necessitating multilateral support, according to Teodoro.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has prioritized forming security partnerships across Asia and with Western nations to enhance the country's defensive stance. This recent deal with Lithuania complements existing treaties, such as the longstanding alliance with the United States, as part of a broader strategy to counteract perceived threats and uphold international maritime laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)