PH, EU to set up security and defense dialogue, DFA's Manalo says

The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to start a dialogue on security and defense in order to tackle emerging threats like cyber attacks and foreign interference, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Monday.

The announcement came during the visit to Manila of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for meetings with Manalo as well as a courtesy call with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"We hope that through the security and defense dialogue we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging security threats that transcend borders, cyber attacks and foreign interference and manipulation of information," Manalo said in a joint briefing with Kallas.

Kallas said the new dialogue will be a "dedicated platform" in which the regional bloc and the Philippines can deepen defense cooperation, share expertise on security matters and explore joint initiatives.

The dialogue will be part of a partnership and cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the EU, which was established in 2012 and entered into force in 2018.

Kallas said the EU remains committed to upholding a rules-based order, promoting peace and addressing common concerns in the South China Sea and Russia's war against Ukraine.

"We reject any unilateral changes to the status quo, including use of coercion," Kallas said when asked what the EU's red lines are when it comes to China's activities in areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China claims sovereignty over nearly all the South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. — Reuters with RSJ/GMA Integrated News