South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday a significant elevation of their bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership.” During President Yoon’s state visit to Manila, the two leaders agreed to bolster defense cooperation, while also focusing on issues such as maritime security and nuclear energy. The high-profile meeting signals a new chapter in South Korea-Philippine relations as both countries face increasing security threats, particularly in the South China Sea and on the Korean Peninsula.
The meeting between President Yoon and President Marcos took place at the Philippine presidential palace in Manila, where both leaders addressed the growing challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. In their joint press conference, the leaders highlighted the importance of reinforcing military and defense collaboration to safeguard their respective territorial interests.
“President Marcos and I opened a new chapter of our partnership by elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership,” Yoon declared during the conference. Yoon’s state visit is the first by a South Korean leader to the Philippines in more than a decade, underscoring the increasing importance of the partnership.
As part of this strategic upgrade, Yoon pledged South Korea’s active participation in the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization efforts, a multi-billion-dollar endeavor aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. With China continuing to challenge the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea, the need for a modernized and well-equipped military has become a pressing national concern for the Southeast Asian nation.
South Korea, which has been accelerating its defense exports globally, including fighter jets, warships, and missile systems, sees its growing arms industry as a crucial tool in building alliances and asserting its geopolitical influence. “South Korea will take an active part in the next phase of the Philippines’ military modernization program,” Yoon stated, referring to South Korea’s bid to become the fourth-largest arms exporter in the world by 2027.
South Korea’s defense industry has been expanding rapidly, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has opened the door for Seoul to secure major defense contracts in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. South Korean-made military equipment has become increasingly sought after for its advanced capabilities and cost-effectiveness. South Korea’s ambitions to rank among the world’s top defense exporters have also aligned well with the Philippines’ defense needs.
The Philippines’ ongoing military modernization effort, which is currently in its third phase, has seen the acquisition of key military hardware, including South Korean FA-50 fighter jets, corvettes, and frigates. The next phase, expected to run from 2023 to 2028, will focus on securing advanced weapon systems such as fighter jets, submarines, and missile systems to strengthen territorial defense and maritime security.
This partnership will not only enhance the Philippines’ military capabilities but also provide an economic boost for South Korea’s defense industry. The agreements signed during Yoon’s visit are expected to open new avenues for arms deals and joint military exercises, deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.
Tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines is engaged in territorial disputes with China, were central to the discussions between the two leaders. Both Yoon and Marcos underscored the need for a rules-based international order and the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region. The South China Sea is a vital waterway for global trade, and its security is crucial not just for the Philippines, but for the entire international community.
The Philippines has been one of the most vocal critics of China’s growing military presence in the disputed waters, particularly the construction of artificial islands and militarization of features claimed by both countries. As the Philippines seeks to assert its rights under international law, it has increasingly turned to its regional and global allies for support, including South Korea, which has its own security challenges on the Korean Peninsula.
In their joint statement, both leaders condemned North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and what Yoon described as Pyongyang’s “reckless provocations.” As a country that has faced its own threats from North Korea’s missile tests and nuclear developments, South Korea has a vested interest in promoting security and stability across the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Another important aspect of the newly elevated strategic partnership is cooperation on energy security. As part of the agreements signed during the state visit, South Korea and the Philippines will work together on a feasibility study to assess the potential of reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Built in the early 1980s but never operational, the BNPP has been a dormant symbol of the Philippines’ ambitions to harness nuclear power.
“South Korea is committed to supporting the Philippines as it explores nuclear energy as a viable alternative for its power needs,” Yoon said. The BNPP, initially approved by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., has been inactive since its completion in 1984, largely due to safety concerns and a changing political climate. However, as energy demands increase and the Philippines seeks to phase out coal plants to meet its climate targets, nuclear energy is once again under consideration as a reliable baseload power source.
Yoon, who has advocated for expanding South Korea’s nuclear power industry, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that nuclear energy could play a crucial role in ensuring the Philippines’ energy security while helping the country meet its environmental commitments.
South Korea, which is already a global leader in nuclear technology, aims to export 10 more nuclear power plants by 2030 as part of its broader strategy to enhance its influence in the energy sector. The memorandum of agreement signed in Manila marks the first step toward exploring the viability of resurrecting the BNPP and bringing it online as a key part of the Philippines’ energy mix.
While defense and energy dominated the discussions, the leaders of South Korea and the Philippines also touched on other aspects of their growing bilateral relationship. Trade, investment, and cultural exchanges are expected to benefit from the strategic partnership, with both sides committed to deepening economic ties. South Korea is already one of the Philippines’ major trading partners, and both countries see room for expanding this relationship further.
Yoon’s visit to Manila is part of a broader diplomatic effort by South Korea to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian nations. After his state visit to the Philippines, Yoon is scheduled to travel to Singapore and Laos, where he will attend the ASEAN Summit and engage in multilateral discussions with other Asian leaders. This tour is seen as part of South Korea’s “New Southern Policy,” aimed at increasing economic and security cooperation with Southeast Asia, a region of growing strategic importance.
The elevation of the South Korea-Philippines relationship to a strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the bilateral ties between the two countries. As both nations face increasing security challenges, particularly in relation to China and North Korea, the deepening defense cooperation and the focus on military modernization are timely and necessary.
In addition, the agreement to explore the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant represents a key development in the Philippines’ pursuit of energy security, with potential long-term benefits for both countries. As President Yoon continues his tour of Southeast Asia, the agreements reached with the Philippines set a positive tone for South Korea’s broader engagement with the region, signaling Seoul’s growing role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific.
By addressing shared security concerns, enhancing military and defense collaboration, and exploring new energy solutions, the two leaders have laid the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient partnership that will benefit both nations as they navigate an increasingly complex and volatile regional environment.
