The Philippines and the United States signed a landmark agreement to streamline the real-time sharing of classified information and defense technology cooperation amid China’s growing influence in the region.
On Monday, the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was signed at Camp Aguinaldo by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., during the former’s visit to the Philippines.
The GSOMIA establishes a legal framework for protecting Classified Military Information and serves as “a foundational agreement for other potential security agreements,” the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a message to reporters.
“While it does not obligate either nation to share information, it simplifies and accelerates the process when necessary. The agreement does not expire but can be amended or suspended if needed,” the message read.
The signing marks the culmination of years of negotiations.
In 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then Indo-Pacific Command chief, emphasized the importance of finalizing the GSOMIA as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program and its investment in U.S. defense technology.
Both nations committed to agreeing by the end of 2024, reiterating this goal during Austin’s July 2024 visit to Manila alongside US State Secretary Antony Blinken for a 2+2 ministerial meeting.
In a joint statement issued during that visit, both sides highlighted the GSOMIA’s role in enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in tandem with the Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement.
This commitment comes amid deepening bilateral ties, with the U.S. pledging $500 million in foreign military financing for the Philippines and gaining access to four additional sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines remains critical, particularly in addressing shared security concerns.
Bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty—which now explicitly covers incidents in the West Philippine Sea [South China Sea]—the U.S. has been a vocal ally of the Philippines amid growing tensions with China over disputed maritime territories.
During the Camp Aguinaldo event, Teodoro presented Austin with the Outstanding Achievement Medal, recognizing his significant contributions to strengthening U.S.-Philippine defense relations and advancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Austin also joined Teodoro and AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. in groundbreaking ceremonies for the Combined Coordination Center facility inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Brawner envisions the center as a beacon of innovation, partnership, and collective strength, setting the stage for an even closer relationship between the two nations.
“The combined coordination center will be a vital nexus for our joint operations, a gateway for information sharing and strategic coordination. It will enhance our ability to collaborate during a crisis, fostering an environment where our strengths combine to safeguard peace and security in our region. This center embodies our aspirations, a hub where innovation meets partnership, where we will train as one, we will plan as one, and we will respond as one,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Marcos emphasized how the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. transcends the defense sphere and can be called upon during calamities.
The Philippine leader stressed this point during Austin’s visit to Malacañan Palace.
Mr. Marcos acknowledged the challenges posed by recent storms, which he collectively referred to as the “KLMNOP series of typhoons.”
The six typhoons, hitting the country in just under a month, caused significant damage and disrupted lives, particularly in the Luzon region.
“We have been able to respond better than we would have otherwise, thanks to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites,” the President said.
He highlighted how the U.S.-funded facilities were used as staging areas for prepositioning supplies and conducting aid missions, especially in isolated regions accessible only by helicopter after the storms.
The President also underscored the importance of the recently signed General Security and Military Information Agreement, calling it a critical step toward improving interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces.
Austin, visiting Manila despite challenging weather conditions, expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by the disasters.
“At the onset, let me offer our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to all those who’ve been impacted by these significant storms,” he said.
The U.S. has deployed troops for life-saving efforts and allocated an additional $1 million in humanitarian aid via USAID and the World Food Programme, building on nearly 100,000 pounds of supplies already delivered to typhoon-stricken areas.
Austin credited the President for envisioning the strategic use of EDCA sites in disaster preparedness and response, noting how prepositioned resources have enabled faster and more efficient assistance.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Philippines, US sign landmark agreement to enhance information sharing, tech cooperation”
