US-Philippine Sign Agreement Sharing Military Intelligence Information

JAKARTA - The United States (US) and the Philippines signed an agreement to share military intelligence information on Monday, strengthening defense relations between the two countries to face common security challenges in the region.

The signing was carried out by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his defense team Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro at Manila military headquarters, as well as inaugurating the construction of a coordination center that will facilitate collaboration between their armed forces.

Called the General Security Treaty of Military Information or GSOMIA, the pact allows the two countries to securely share classified military information.

"This will not only allow the Philippines to access higher capabilities and expensive goods from the United States, but will also open up opportunities to pursue similar agreements with countries of the same mind," Philippine Defense Ministry spokesman Arsenio Andolong said. November 18.

Washington and Manila's security cooperation is getting closer under President Joe Biden and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with both wanting to fight what is seen as China's aggressive policy in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Previously, the United States and the Philippines had a joint defense agreement that began in 1951, which could be enforced if one of the parties was attacked, including in the South China Sea.

"I want to start by underlining our strong commitment to the Philippines," Defense Minister Austin said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the coordination center.

Defense Secretary Austin said the coordination center should allow real-time information sharing between the two defense agreement allies and increase interoperability.

"That will be a place where our troops can work side by side to respond to regional challenges," Defense Secretary Austin said.

Previously, the Philippines had expressed confidence that the alliance would remain strong under US President-elect Donald Trump.

"The presence of the United States in the Indo Pacific region is very important to maintain peace and stability in the region," Defense Minister Teodoro said at the inauguration, echoing a previous statement made by President Marcos Jr.

#DNDPHL Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and US @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement between the two countries on Monday, marking another significant stride in the enduring 🇵🇭-🇺🇸 alliance.

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— DND Philippines (@dndphl) November 18, 2024

#DNDPHL Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and US @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement between the two countries on Monday, marking another significant divorce in the ending

Read more: https://t.co/lei4uNloAq pic.twitter.com/bAjxW65iU1