US, Philippines sign agreement on sharing military information

The US and the Philippines on Monday signed a deal to share classified military information and technology, as both countries look to deepen cooperation to counter Chinese influence in the region.

The Philippines–United States General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) agreement aims to share military information between the two countries, promoting greater cooperation and interoperability in defense and security matters.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense shared a post on Instagram and wrote, “Signing of PH-US General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).”

Notably, the agreement was signed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and his/her Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro of Quezon City, Manila.

Security agreements between the Philippines and the United States have strengthened, with both countries aiming to counter China’s aggression in the South China Sea. The two countries have also resumed joint naval exercises, and the Philippines has granted the US military greater access to its military bases.

After signing the agreement, Austin said that along with his/her Philippines counterpart, they are “committed to deepening the alliance, strengthening regional security, and upholding shared values ​​in the Indo-Pacific.”

Austin shared a post on Twitter, writing, “It’s great to be in Manila at a transformative time for the US-Philippines alliance. I met with my good friend, Secretary of National Defense Teodoro. “Together, we are committed to deepening our alliance, strengthening regional security, and upholding our shared values ​​in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Philippines-United States GSOMIA will lay the foundation for enhanced, expanded, and timely sharing of information and defense technology.

The United States established diplomatic relations with the Philippines in 1946.

US–Philippine relations are based on strong historical and cultural ties and shared democratic values. The US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 provides a strong foundation for a strong security partnership. According to the US State Department, vibrant people-to-people ties and strong economic cooperation provide meaningful ways to engage on bilateral, regional and global issues.

The US-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) is an annual forum for forward planning on all aspects of our relationship. The most recent BSD took place in January 2023 when senior Philippine and US State Department and Defense Department officials convened in Manila.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin hosted their Philippine counterparts for a “2+2” ministerial meeting in April 2023, and President Biden hosted President Marcos for a four-day official working visit in early May 2023.