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Philippines seeks broader defence ties with NATO amid possible US friction
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro proposed closer interoperability and exchanges with NATO and the EU in Paris, and Manila has secured military agreements with France and Germany, but deeper NATO ties could clash with US priorities.
Mar 27th 2026 · Philippines
Insights
- Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro raised enhanced interoperability and exchanges with NATO and the EU at the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum.
- Manila says it is laying the groundwork for expanded military cooperation to strengthen resilience and protect overseas Filipinos.
- The Philippines signed an agreement with France on military personnel deployment and joint exercises and expanded cooperation with Germany last year.
- The Philippines has been a NATO major partner since 2003 despite not being a member of the alliance.
- There are about 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad, which Manila cites as a reason for stronger security ties.
- Observers warn Manila could face a strategic dilemma if deeper NATO ties contradict US interests, while US criticism of NATO's role in the Middle East adds pressure.