Philippines signs military pact with New Zealand to widen alliances

The Philippines signed a military pact with New Zealand on Wednesday, allowing their forces to hold joint exercises as Manila continues to build security alliances as it faces an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremony in Manila, where Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.

The treaty sets the legal framework to allow military engagements of both countries, including joint drills in each other's territory and other cooperative activities. It has been approved by New Zealand officials, but still needs to be ratified by the Philippine Senate for it to take effect.