Overview

• British Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker delivered a letter from Defence Secretary John Healey in Manila formally conveying the UK’s intent to pursue a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.
• Both governments agreed to begin negotiations on the pact, which would create a legal framework for joint exercises and temporary deployments by their armed forces.
• Coaker’s visit coincided with a port call by Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond in Manila as part of Operation Highmast, the UK Carrier Strike Group’s eight‑month Indo‑Pacific deployment.
• Coaker said the UK stands with the Philippines and opposes unilateral actions that raise tensions in the South China Sea.
• Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippine Navy’s proposed budget for next year would rise by 8.3 billion pesos, or 16.3%, to support new frigates and expanded shipyard and dockyard facilities.