US, Philippines Sign New Military Deal Before Trump’s Return

By Andreo Calonzo and Ditas Lopez

November 17, 2024 at 11:32PM EST

LAUR, PHILIPPINES - AUGUST 09: US and Philippine troops launch a rocket from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as part of joint army-to-army drills between the US and the Philippines, on August 09, 2024 in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines. The United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines recently launched air and naval maneuvers in a show of force that they said aimed to promote the rule of law in the disputed South China Sea, where China has increasingly asserted its territorial claims. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Photographer: Ezra Acayan/Getty )

(Bloomberg) -- The US and the Philippines on Monday signed a deal on military information sharing, bolstering ties two months before Donald Trump assumes the presidency.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro inked the General Security of Military Information Agreement in Manila. The pact allows the sharing of classified defense information between the two countries at a time of growing assertiveness from Beijing over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The agreement also streamlines foreign military sales for certain classified technologies, paving the way for further cooperation on defense equipment between the US and the Philippines. It also lays the groundwork for future security deals.

Why Marcos Is Inviting the US Back to the Philippines: QuickTake

The defense allies are moving to solidify ties that were strengthened under US President Joe Biden and Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as Trump’s return to the White House in January could shake up geopolitical dynamics around the world.