The United States and the Philippines have signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). Ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the Joe Biden administration is accelerating efforts to strengthen military cooperation with allied countries.
According to major foreign media and Yonhap News on the 18th (local time), U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro signed the GSOMIA at the Philippine military headquarters in Manila. Through this agreement, the two countries will be able to share classified defense information in real time.
The two defense ministers also held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a joint military command and coordination center at the Philippine military headquarters. Secretary Austin stated, "This will be a place where our forces can work side by side with the Philippine military to respond to regional challenges," adding, "Real-time information sharing will help enhance the interoperability of our militaries." The Philippine Department of National Defense reported that Secretary Austin is scheduled to visit Palawan Island, adjacent to the South China Sea, on the 19th to meet with Philippine military units responsible for defending the South China Sea.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed discomfort, stating, "Any kind of military agreement or security cooperation should not run counter to or harm the interests of third parties, nor should it undermine regional peace or exacerbate regional tensions."
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