The Philippines and South Korea are steeling security ties. How will China respond?

Seoul and Manila’s partnership does not take direct aim at Beijing but does target maritime dangers in the South China Sea

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There have been repeated encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea this year. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00am, 14 Oct 2024

The Philippines can expect some kind of hybrid response from China as Manila works with other US allies to challenge Beijing’s dominance in the South China Sea, an observer said after Manila elevated defence ties with Seoul last week.

In talks in the Philippine capital on Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr agreed to establish a “strategic partnership” between the two countries, the first since diplomatic ties began 75 years ago.

In a declaration after the talks, Seoul and Manila agreed to increase cooperation on defence and reaffirmed the “importance of respect for the rule of law, maritime security and safety, and the peaceful resolution of disputes” in the South China Sea.

“Both countries share concerns about actions in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with the rules-based international order, which undermines peace and prosperity,” the declaration said without referring directly to China.

“The two countries oppose militarisation of reclaimed features, the dangerous use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and coercive activities.”

The two countries’ coastguards also signed a nonbinding agreement on maritime security cooperation, including combating transnational crime, information sharing and joint search-and-rescue operations.