The U.S. and the Philippines have finalized an agreement to enhance military cooperation through the sharing of classified information.
The deal, known as the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSMIA), establishes a standardized framework for handling sensitive data, facilitating the exchange of critical information and technology for national defense. It is expected to improve interoperability between the two militaries, making it easier for the U.S. to share vital intelligence when needed.
The signing ceremony, held in Manila on Monday, was attended by Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
In a brief statement posted on X, Austin emphasized both nations’ commitment to deepening their alliance, strengthening regional security, and upholding shared values in the Indo-Pacific region. While Teodoro did not comment publicly, he called the agreement a “critical step” in enhancing information sharing and military cooperation.
Austin also met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace and is scheduled to visit Palawan on Tuesday to meet with Philippine officials overseeing South China Sea operations.
The GSMIA announcement marks a significant step in the growing military ties between the U.S. and the Philippines, who have been strengthening defense cooperation amid China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
China reacts to U.S.-Phl military info-sharing deal
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday voiced concern over the newly signed military information sharing agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“(We believe that) no military agreement, or defense and security cooperation, in whatever form, should target any third party or harm the interests of any third party,” Lin said, urging that such agreements not escalate regional tensions.
“The only right choice for safeguarding national security and regional peace and stability is to uphold good-neighborliness and friendship and maintain strategic independence,” the spokesperson added.
China’s response underscores its ongoing concerns about the broader geopolitical implications of U.S. involvement in the region.