The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to initiate security and defense dialogue to address emerging threats such as cyber attacks and foreign interference. This announcement was made by Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo on Monday, June 2nd.
On June 2nd, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, had a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila. They also held discussions with Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo.
Following the meeting, Manalo stated during a joint press conference, “Through security and defense dialogue, we hope to actively address emerging cross-border security threats, cyber attacks, as well as foreign interference and manipulation of information.”
Kallas mentioned that the new dialogue mechanism will serve as a “special platform” where the EU and the Philippines can enhance defense cooperation, exchange expertise on security affairs, and explore joint measures.
This dialogue is set to be part of the partnership and cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the EU, which was signed by both parties in 2012 and came into effect in 2018.
Kallas emphasized that the EU remains committed to upholding a rules-based international order, promoting peace, and addressing common concerns shared by the EU and the Philippines, including the South China Sea dispute and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
When asked about the red lines set by the EU for China’s expansionist activities in regions such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, Kallas stated, “We oppose any unilateral actions to change the status quo, including the use of force.”
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with sovereignty claims from countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled on the “South China Sea arbitration case,” declaring that China’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea do not comply with international law. However, China has consistently rejected this ruling.
(This article referenced reporting from Reuters)