Foreign Affairs
24 reports
Philippines, Canada Now Strategic Partners for Economic and Defense Cooperation
During President Marcos's Canada visit from July 1–4, 2026, the Philippines and Canada elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership. The nations pledged CAD 2B to the Luzon Economic Corridor, while the Philippine delegation secured USD 2.5B in Canadian investment commitments for tech and energy.
Philippines Strengthens Diplomatic Avenues with Russia and Germany
Philippines strengthened international ties by hosting the President of Germany and co-chairing a summit between ASEAN and Russia. The visits focused on expanding economic cooperation, maritime security, and securing alternative energy sources for the nation.
US Arms Deal for Taiwan Suspended As Middle East Conflict Persists
The United States postponed its weapons deal with Taiwan to secure munitions for operations against Iran. This decision reflects regional tensions and continued elevated risks surrounding the conflict.
Presidents Trump, Xi Met in China
Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping reaffirmed commitments to strategic stability, trade cooperation, and dialogue on Iran and Taiwan during Trump’s state visit to China, although analysts expect existing geopolitical tensions and policy positions to largely remain unchanged in the near term.
First of Two ASEAN 2026 Summits Concluded in Cebu
The first ASEAN 2026 Summit in Cebu ended with agreements on regional energy and maritime cooperation amid rising tensions. However, limited progress was made on key issues, including the South China Sea disputes and Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis.
Pax Silica and the Philippines: What We Currently Know
The Philippines joined the United States-led Pax Silica initiative to secure the artificial intelligence supply chain. The resulting Economic Security Zone will accelerate allied manufacturing, though infrastructure and constitutional challenges must be navigated.
Complications Surrounding Philippine-Chinese Joint Oil and Gas Exploration in the West Philippine Sea
Joint energy exploration in the West Philippine Sea remains unlikely due to unresolved territorial disputes and legal complexities. While officials have expressed openness, no formal proposals exist, and concerns regarding sovereignty and security risks persist.
ANALYSIS: Philippines’ Efforts to Diversify its Bilateral Relations
The Philippines is strengthening its security posture by signing a visiting forces agreement with France while balancing economic ties with China. As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, Manila aims to lead regional stability efforts despite constitutional hurdles regarding joint energy exploration.
President Marcos Visits the United Nations In A Bid For A Non-Permanent Security Council Seat
President Marcos is seeking a 2027-2028 United Nations Security Council seat to amplify Philippine interests on climate and geopolitical issues, including West Philippine Sea disputes. This marks a shift toward friendlier international relations compared to the previous administration.
South Korea and the Philippines Enhance Cooperation for Developing Critical Minerals, Nuclear Power, Shipbuilding
The Philippines and South Korea signed seventeen agreements covering defense, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding. Key highlights include critical mineral cooperation to reduce China dependency and a feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to address local energy supply woes.
Recommended Reading: Pax Silica: alliances, frontier and markets in the geopolitics of the chip
The United States is implementing Pax Silica to secure the semiconductor supply chain against major power competition. This geopolitical strategy frames the recent critical minerals pact with the Philippines as a vital move for regional technological and military advancement.
ANALYSIS: Notable Incidents in the West Philippine Sea for October – December 2025
Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea intensified in late 2025, involving water cannon attacks and information warfare. While the Philippines pursues de-escalation and defense modernization, the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship provides a platform to negotiate a regional Code of Conduct.
Japan, Philippines Sign Two Defense Agreements and One Economic Assistance Program
The Philippines and Japan signed a new defense pact (ACSA) on January 15 to facilitate the transfer of military supplies. Japan also pledged significant security and economic aid for infrastructure, reinforcing trilateral cooperation with the United States amid Indo-Pacific tensions.
Where the Philippines Stood In ASEAN, APEC Summits
President Ferdinand Marcos prioritized economic agreements over defense at recent regional summits. Key outcomes include an upgraded trade agreement with China and South Korean investment pledges, though tangible business and security benefits remain to be seen.
US Senators Fischer and Wicker Visit Manila, in a Latest of String of Senatorial Visits to the Philippines
Two United States senators visited the Philippines to discuss defense modernization and regional interoperability with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Enterprises should note this visit reinforces the bilateral defense alliance and ongoing United States commitment to Indo-Pacific security.
ANALYSIS: Highlights of the 2025 State of the Nation Address
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address prioritized socio-economic and public works reviews over industry policy. Enterprises should monitor upcoming 2026 budget deliberations to verify funding allocations for critical energy, infrastructure, and labor development initiatives.
Updates on PH Defense: Lithuania Defense Pact Signed, Incoming Navy Destroyers from Japan, US Supercarrier Visits Manila
The Philippines and Lithuania signed a defense pact focusing on cybersecurity, maritime safety, and counter-hybrid threats. Local enterprises should note this expanding security alliance network, which aims to strengthen national cyber defenses against sophisticated state-sponsored threats.
2050 Philippines Strategic Outlook
PSA Intelligence offers a forward-looking assessment of the nation’s geopolitical, economic, and sociopolitical trajectory over the next quarter century.
Philippines Inks Defense Pact with New Zealand and Discusses New Agreements with Japan Amidst a ‘Severe, Deteriorating’ Strategic Environment in the Indo-Pacific
The Philippines signed a visiting forces agreement with New Zealand and advanced defense and trade talks with Japan to counter maritime aggression. Enterprises should monitor expanding security alignments and ongoing trade negotiations to safeguard supply chains from geopolitical risks.
President Marcos to Meet Japan Prime Minister and New Zealand Defense Minister to Finalize Defense Agreements
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is finalizing key defense agreements with Japan and New Zealand amid regional security tensions. Enterprises should monitor these expanding security alliances, which aim to strengthen maritime safety and long-term stability.
US Secretary Nominees Confirmed: Rubio as Secretary of State, Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
The United States appointed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. As these officials steward foreign policy and military strategy, enterprises must monitor how this leadership transition impacts Indo-Pacific alliances and regional security.
US President Donald Trump Signs Dozens of Executive Orders on His First Day in Office
The second Trump administration introduces major policy shifts in trade and security. While reshoring causes minor BPO uncertainty, the Philippines remains largely insulated due to trade dynamics, with US maritime and defense commitments remaining firm under Secretary Marco Rubio.
PH, US Conclude 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue With USD 500 Million in Foreign Military Financing
The United States pledged USD 500 Million in military financing to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Coast Guard. Coupled with defense agreements with Japan, these alliances strengthen regional security and shape geopolitical stability for enterprises.
What Are the Implications for the Philippines of a Trump or Harris Presidency?
The United States presidential election will maintain bilateral security ties due to bipartisan consensus on China. However, potential tariffs or restricted trade agreements under either candidate introduce regulatory and supply chain challenges for enterprises in the Philippines.