Thailand and the Philippines have agreed to explore a defense industry partnership amid Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo made his first official visit to Thailand on Friday. He held talks with his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa.
The countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation.
Manila is moving to strengthen its military and focus on external defense. This comes as China turns up the pressure in the South China Sea.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said, “Thailand reaffirmed our support for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, and expressed our readiness to work with all relevant parties to maintain peace and stability. ”
The two ministers also agreed to boost coordination to help ASEAN bring peace and stability to Myanmar.
The South China Sea and Myanmar dominated discussions last week in the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Laos.
The Philippines will host the annual ASEAN Meetings in 2026.