PH, New Zealand seek stronger military ties amid WPS tensions

As tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea, more countries are seeking to establish stronger military and defense ties with the Philippines. The latest to announce such intentions is New Zealand, which recently completed the first round of discussions toward establishing a Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines.
According to New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, “There is strong political commitment to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and officials meet recently for productive and constructive discussions.”
The expected Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) is anticipated to enhance military cooperation and maritime security efforts between the Philippines and New Zealand, similar to existing agreements that the Philippines has with allies such as the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Canada.
While SOVFA is not aimed at any particular threat, it is noteworthy that New Zealand has publicly expressed concern regarding the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized that having more allied nations is beneficial for the Philippines.
“Both countries and multilateral countries initiative to resist China’s unilateral narrative to change international law, so the VFA with New Zealand will be very important for us for that purpose,” said Teodoro during an event hosted by the New Zealand Embassy that commemorated Waitangi Day.
Teodoro was asked regarding the recent actions of Chinese Coast Guard Vessels near the mainland areas of Luzon, which lie within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines. He remarked, “Eh dinadaan sa laki eh they’re just proving to the world what kind of people they are the Chinese Communist Party.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry previously insisted that it has the right to conduct maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea as part of its territorial claims. China asserts almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, based on its controversial nine-dash line map.
However, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal dismissed all of China's claims back in 2016, asserting the Philippines' rights over the waters in question. — BM, GMA Integrated News