In a demonstration of strengthening ties, the Philippines and Singapore recently signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation as the partnership becomes increasingly critical amid growing security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.
The agreement builds on bilateral defense arrangements and is a framework for enhancing cooperation in areas such as military education, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). It will “promote regional stability and security” by fostering military collaboration, according to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.
Both nations are navigating Southeast Asia’s complex security environment, including rising tensions in the South China Sea sparked by the People’s Republic of China’s increasing assertiveness.
In addition to signing the agreement in late July 2024, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Singaporean Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen discussed ongoing collaboration within regional frameworks such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense minister forums, which foster dialogue and cooperation, particularly related to shared security threats.
The agreement is “a significant milestone in strengthening the defense ties between the Philippines and Singapore,” Teodoro said. It came less than a month before Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam met in Manila to commemorate their nations’ 55 years of diplomatic relations.
Maritime security, counterterrorism and disaster response are key concerns fueling the bilateral partnership. The South China Sea, a global trade route, remains a flash point. Beijing claims almost the entire waterway despite an international tribunal’s 2016 ruling dismissing those territorial assertions as legally invalid. Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels continue to harass and block Philippine civilian and military craft in Manila’s exclusive economic zone, including vessels resupplying troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal. Although Singapore is not a claimant in the South China Sea disputes, it seeks to maintain stability and freedom of navigation in the resource-rich waters.
The Philippines and Singapore also aim to boost counterterrorism intelligence sharing and joint operations. The Philippines has battled insurgencies in its southern regions in recent decades, notably defeating Islamic State group-affiliated militants who held the city of Marawi under siege in 2017. Singapore has commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its counterterrorism operations, which also have supported rebuilding efforts in areas such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to the Philippine National Defense Department.
With Southeast Asia one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, preparedness is vital. The recent agreement strengthens the two nations’ commitment to enhancing joint HADR training to foster operational compatibility.
The Philippines and Singapore participated in the 2023 ASEAN Solidarity Exercise in the Natuna Sea, focusing on boosting interoperability and joint response capabilities in disaster relief and maritime security.
Additionally, Singapore was an observer during the multinational Balikatan exercise in the Philippines in April and May 2024, underscoring its commitment to regional security. The exercise, led by the Philippines and the U.S., featured island defense and cyber warfare operations, highlighting the increasing complexity of regional security challenges.
