Amid increasing Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, South Korea may be considering a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with its trusted partner, the Philippines. This potential defense cooperation comes at a critical time for both nations as they work to bolster regional security in the face of growing threats, particularly in disputed waters such as the South China Sea.
On the sidelines of the Stratbase ADR Institute Forum in Manila on September 20, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sang-Hwa, hinted at the possibility of a VFA between the two nations. His comments, though cautious, suggest a growing consensus among South Korean and Filipino officials on the need to enhance military collaboration.
“The Korean side has been considering, has been giving thought, and the idea of a Visiting Forces Agreement is on the table; let’s see how it goes,” Ambassador Lee remarked during a recorded interview, igniting further speculation about the potential deal. Although both South Korean and Filipino governments have yet to publicly confirm whether formal talks are underway, Filipino media has reported that such defense agreements are the logical next step in addressing the region’s security challenges.
“It’s only natural for the Philippines to expand its horizons with key like-minded countries having such mechanisms in place. As the country has had a close relationship for many years, gaining importance in terms of the security situation, Korea is coming to mind in that respect,” Ambassador Lee said emphatically. This development follows months of heightened diplomatic engagement between the two nations, highlighting the strategic importance of their alliance in countering Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
The prospect of a VFA between South Korea and the Philippines signals a significant shift in the regional security dynamic. Both countries are close allies of the United States, and Washington has long sought to build a robust coalition in the Indo-Pacific to deter China’s increasing military presence. For the Philippines, securing additional defense agreements with countries like South Korea represents a calculated move to strengthen its security posture in the face of mounting pressure from Beijing.
The Philippines has been grappling with growing aggression from Chinese forces, particularly in the South China Sea, where both nations lay claim to several key islands and maritime zones. China’s expanding military infrastructure and frequent patrols in these waters have heightened tensions with Manila and prompted the Philippines to pursue closer military cooperation with allies in the region.
In recent years, the Philippines has taken proactive steps to solidify its defense partnerships. For instance, in July 2024, the Philippines signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, facilitating joint military exercises and troop deployments. This agreement was seen as a direct response to shared concerns over Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
While South Korea has yet to join the ranks of countries conducting joint military drills with the Philippines, the possibility of a VFA suggests that this could change in the near future. Ambassador Lee, when asked about the potential for South Korea to participate in multilateral military maneuvers with the Philippines, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, indicated that such a collaboration was not off the table.
“The Philippines is willing or eager to consider expanding partnerships with allies and partners, Korea can be a top candidate, whatever you call it,” Lee said, signaling Seoul’s interest in bolstering defense ties with Manila.
Military Cooperation
The military relationship between South Korea and the Philippines is deeply rooted in shared history, with diplomatic ties dating back to 1949. The Philippines was one of the first countries to recognize South Korea’s independence following the Korean War, and its forces notably contributed to the United Nations Command that helped defend South Korea during the conflict.
Since then, both nations have maintained a cordial partnership, marked by various forms of military cooperation. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the South Korean Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic team performed in March 2024 at the Clark Air Base in Luzon. The event underscored the long-standing bonds between the two countries, which have only strengthened in recent years as they face common regional threats.
South Korea has participated in several joint military drills with the Philippines, including Balikatan and Pacific Partnership, both of which emphasize collaborative defense readiness. These exercises reflect the growing importance of their partnership, particularly as tensions with China continue to escalate.
In 2023, the South Korean Coast Guard also conducted its first-ever combined drills with the Philippine Coast Guard, a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between the two nations. These exercises focused on search and rescue operations, anti-piracy drills, and maritime security, all of which are crucial given the strategic importance of the South China Sea.
South Korea’s Defense Support for Philippines
South Korea’s contributions to the Philippines’ military modernization efforts have been substantial. One of the most notable examples of this partnership is the delivery of 12 FA-50 multirole fighter jets, which have become a key component of the Philippine Air Force’s fleet. These aircraft provide the Philippines with a critical capability to defend its airspace and support ground operations, further enhancing the country’s ability to protect its territorial integrity.
In addition to the FA-50 jets, South Korean defense contractors have played a vital role in supplying advanced military hardware to the Philippines. Earlier this year, the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the first of two multirole missile corvettes that it is building for the Philippine Navy. These corvettes, equipped with anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare capabilities, are expected to significantly boost the Philippines’ maritime defense capacity.
The launch of the corvettes comes at a crucial time, as the Philippines seeks to enhance its naval power to counter Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea (the Philippine name for the South China Sea). The first corvette is slated for delivery to the Philippine Navy in 2025, while the second will follow shortly thereafter.
Additionally, South Korean defense firm Hanwha Ocean has expressed interest in constructing submarines for the Philippines, marking a potential new frontier in their military partnership. If realized, the deal could provide the Philippines with its first-ever submarine fleet, a critical asset for maintaining a deterrent presence in disputed waters.
If South Korea and the Philippines move forward with a Visiting Forces Agreement, it would mark a significant development in the region’s defense landscape. Such an agreement would allow for the deployment of South Korean troops to the Philippines for joint military exercises, humanitarian assistance, disaster response operations, and potentially even combat scenarios. It would also provide a legal framework for stationing South Korean forces in the Philippines, facilitating closer operational coordination between the two nations.
The VFA would likely complement existing defense agreements the Philippines has with the United States and Japan, creating a broader multilateral network aimed at countering China’s influence. Given that both South Korea and the Philippines are key U.S. allies, a trilateral partnership between Washington, Seoul, and Manila could emerge as a powerful counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership could also involve Japan, which has steadily increased its defense cooperation with the Philippines in recent years.
For South Korea, a VFA with the Philippines would align with its broader strategy of engaging more actively in regional security matters. Although traditionally focused on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea has increasingly recognized the need to play a more significant role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, where it faces economic and security challenges tied to China’s growing power.
In his speech at the Stratbase ADR Institute Forum, Ambassador Lee reiterated South Korea’s commitment to the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, echoing Manila’s concerns about China’s disregard for international norms. “The South China Sea is now hotter and more turbulent than it was in 2016. Since I took office, the Korean government has issued its position in the West Philippine Sea 10 times, reiterating the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, and a rules-based international order,” Lee stated.
As China continues to assert its dominance in the Indo-Pacific, countries like South Korea and the Philippines are recalibrating their defense strategies to ensure regional stability. A Visiting Forces Agreement between the two nations could not only strengthen their bilateral ties but also contribute to a broader regional effort to deter Chinese aggression.
While the details of the potential VFA remain unclear, it is evident that both nations are increasingly viewing each other as critical partners in the shifting security environment of the Indo-Pacific. Should the agreement materialize, it would mark a new chapter in their defense relationship and further solidify the Philippines’ position as a key player in regional security efforts. The potential for expanded cooperation with other U.S. allies, such as Japan and Australia, also highlights the broader implications of this evolving partnership in the face of China’s growing power.
