Overview

• The Philippines and New Zealand have signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, allowing troop deployments on each other's territory, pending Philippine Senate ratification.
• The pact facilitates joint military drills and cooperation, expanding defense collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
• New Zealand recently committed to a NZ$9 billion defense spending boost over four years and aims to double defense spending to 2% of GDP within eight years.
• China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including the deployment of naval and coast guard vessels, have escalated tensions with the Philippines over disputed maritime territories.
• The Philippines is pursuing similar agreements with Canada and France, while New Zealand and the Philippines plan to elevate their diplomatic ties to a comprehensive partnership in 2026.