New Zealand and Philippines defence pact to counter China's influence in South China Sea
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New Zealand and the Philippines signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on April 30 amid rising regional tensions with China. The pact will reinforce a growing network of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and allow troops from each nation to train and operate on the other's territory.New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. formalised the deal at Manila's Malacañang Palace, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance.Collins said the agreement reflects a shared concern over 'the risks to the international rules-based order.' She added, 'As our prime minister has said, New Zealand looks to protect and advance our interests in the Indo-Pacific, and we can only do so alongside partners'.In his briefing, Teodoro mentioned the need to uphold international law in the South China Sea, where Beijing's 'Nine-Dash Line' claim overlaps with Philippine maritime zones. He hit out at China, saying, 'There are those who follow international law, and there are those who want to redefine it.'The new agreement adds up to Manila's existing pacts with the United States, Australia, and Japan and precedes a similar deal with Canada expected 'very soon,' Teodoro added. Together, these accords enable joint exercises, training exchanges, and mutual logistics support to enhance deterrence against any 'unwanted behaviour' at sea.For New Zealand, the SOVFA marks a step forward in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's broader plan to 'pull their weight' in regional security. Luxon in early April 2025 announced NZ$9 billion in defence upgrades over four years, to lift military spending to 2 per cent of GDP within eight years. Analysts say the pact will help diversify Wellington's alliances beyond its traditional trade ties with China.As maritime drills continue in the South China Sea—including recent exercises with the US, Japan, and Australia—the Philippines and New Zealand will begin 'military-to-military training' under the SOVFA's framework. Both governments view these agreements as essential for regional stability and freedom of navigation against growing Chinese power projection.
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