Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in a recent meeting, highlighted the importance of deepening defence cooperation between their nations. Their discussions highlighted serious concerns over the situation in the South China Sea, where tensions between the Philippines and China have been notable.
China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of contention, as it asserts almost total control over the region, which serves as a crucial maritime route for global commerce, amounting to over $3 trillion annually. However, other countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei also lay claim to various parts of the area, leading to maritime disputes and geopolitical tensions.
In addition to their focus on the South China Sea, Marcos, and Luxon emphasised the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a crucial maritime passage in the region.
Moreover, the leaders announced plans to elevate bilateral relations to a “comprehensive partnership” by 2026. As part of this initiative, the Philippines and New Zealand are set to finalise a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, facilitating joint military exercises and humanitarian missions, thereby enhancing their defence capabilities and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
