The Philippines is actively negotiating new defense agreements with New Zealand, Canada, and France to counter China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasizes the importance of these agreements for upholding international law and enhancing regional security.
Charles DantesTHE Philippines on Wednesday said negotiations are ongoing to forge new defense cooperations with at least three other countries amid the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea .
Teodoro is hoping the SOVFA with New Zealand will be realized within the year, after the first round of formal negotiations pushed through last January 23. As part of the Indo-Pacific region, New Zealand has joined the long list of nations expressing serious concern over increasingly aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea.
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