South Korea might be the fourth country to have an exchange of troops with the Philippines in a move that is aimed at bolstering joint response to threats at sea and interoperability during possible disasters.
Seoul’s envoy in Manila, Lee Sang-hwa, said Friday, Sept. 20, that the Korean Defense Ministry "has been considering giving a thought" on a possible Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with its Philippines' Defense Department.
South Korea will join the United States, Japan and Australia in having the same arrangement with the Philippines if the pact happens.
"I'm not privy to the details of how it has been reviewed by relevant authorities. That's I think on the table," Lee said in an interview at the sidelines of Stratbase ADR Institute forum.
"So let's see how it goes," he added.
The ambassador said that it is only "natural" for both countries to expand their ties to such an agreement, considering that Seoul and Manila has had "very close relationship for long years."
The Philippines, he added, has also gained importance in terms of security cooperation for South Korea.
"Our shared vision and commitment to these priorities will then pave the way for a brighterfuture for both our nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region," Lee said in his speech during the forum.
During the same event, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza acknowledged South Korea's statement of support for the Philippines.
"Statements of support released by the Republic of Korea...and statements that express concerns about unnecessary, unlawful, and aggressive actions that create tensions in the South China Sea lent credence to international law and highlight ROK's role as a responsible player in the community of nations and uphold strong partnership in keeping regional peace and stability," Daza said.
Currently, it is only with the United States that the Philippines has had VFA.
Meanwhile, Manila also signed a separate Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan and Australia for eventual joint training of both sides' troops.
The Philippines' strengthening of alliance with South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States—which also consider each one another as allies—came at the height of China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
China had criticized countries that are not claimant states of the South China Sea for meddling in the dispute.
But both the ambassadors of Japan and Australia in Manila shrugged off such criticism, saying the South China Sea concern is an international and legitimate concern.
"As a stakeholder that makes use of the South China Sea, the issue is also an important matter of interest for Japan, which depends on sea transport for most of its resources and energy," the Japanese embassy in Manila said.
"You will notice that even many countries outside the region are passionate about this issue, and it's because the South China Sea is a very important international waterway for the whole world," Australian Ambassador HK Yu said.
Strategic partnership
On the other hand, Stratbase ADRi president and geostrategic expert Dindo Manhit called on the government to take decisive actions on key priorities that will strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Republic of Korea (ROK) and secure mutual benefits.
One of these is the negotiations and the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and ROK.
Manhit said the long-standing partnership between Philippines and ROK has grown across various areas of cooperation, from defense and security to trade and people-to-people exchanges.
"However, this partnership is not without its challenges. Both nations face similar threats, with the Korean Peninsula and the West Philippine Sea serving as critical flashpoints for regional conflict," he said.
"These ongoing security concerns underscore the need for both countries to work more closely in addressing their shared vulnerabilities and ensuring regional stability,” he added.
Manhit said that by deepening bilateral ties, the Philippines and South Korea can contribute meaningfully to promoting rules-based international order and strengthening regional security in the face of aggressive actions.