In Manila, a significant agreement was reached between the Philippines and Lithuania aimed at building a stronger security alliance. Both nations are concerned about what they see as increasing aggression from larger nations, notably China, and have resolved to bolster their defense capabilities together.
The memorandum of understanding was inked by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovil? Šakalien?. This pact will enhance cooperation in various defense sectors, focusing heavily on cyber security, munitions production, threats, and maritime security, according to the Department of National Defense in Manila. The agreement reflects the mutual dedication to upgrade the security landscape in the face of emerging threats.
Šakalien? voiced her alarm over the rising influence of an “authoritarian axis,” referring to the collective actions of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. She had previously mentioned these concerns during a global defense forum in Singapore. She stressed the importance of a collective, unified response from democratic nations to counter these gatherings.
Šakalien? commented on the effectiveness of authoritarian collaborations, using Ukraine as a poignant example. She stressed that these alliances pose a significant threat to global democracy, stating that the world cannot afford for democratic principles to be undermined by such cooperation. Chinese officials have yet to respond to these remarks.
The Lithuanian minister referred to recent incidents involving China, including its assertive stance toward Taiwan and its interactions with Filipino fishermen in the contested South China Sea. This area has been a flashpoint, with several nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, locked in long-standing territorial disputes with China. Recently, these territorial confrontations have intensified, particularly between Chinese and Philippine forces.
China has employed aggressive tactics such as deploying water cannons and engaging in risky naval maneuvers against Philippine vessels, accusing them of trespassing into territories it claims from historical times. Despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated much of China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Beijing has continued to maintain its stance.
In response, the Philippines has adopted a strategy centered on exposing and publicizing China’s assertive actions in the strategically crucial South China Sea, intending to gather global support against these moves.
Šakalien? further highlighted the disturbing visual evidence that showcases how Filipino fishermen are being treated unfairly, stating that collective threats warrant a joint defensive approach. Meanwhile, Teodoro emphasized the importance of resisting any unilateral changes to maritime laws and the international order that favors burgeoning powers at the expense of smaller nations.
Lastly, the deal with Lithuania fits into a broader initiative by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to forge a network of security alliances across Asia and the West. This is meant to complement the country’s existing treaty with Washington and to strengthen its territorial defense, especially in light of the ongoing issues in the South China Sea.