The Philippines and New Zealand have officially signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on April 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their defense partnership amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea region. This agreement, which enables joint military exercises and deepens security cooperation, comes after more than a year of negotiations and reflects both nations’ commitment to enhancing regional security through expanded alliances in the Indo-Pacific theater.
Background and Development of the Philippines-New Zealand Defense Agreement
The Philippines and New Zealand concluded their final negotiations for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in February 2025, with both sides expressing optimism about the formalization of this bilateral security arrangement. Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo led the Philippine delegation, while New Zealand Ministry of Defense Director Kathleen Pearce represented Wellington’s interests during the negotiation process5. The agreement was the culmination of extended diplomatic efforts that began gaining momentum in early 2024.
Strategic Timing of the Agreement
The signing comes at a strategically significant moment as both nations have been working to strengthen their defense partnerships. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted this agreement during the 49th founding anniversary event of the Western Command (Wescom), noting that the Philippines had also finalized VFA discussions with Canada and is pursuing similar arrangements with France2. This multi-directional approach to security partnerships demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to diversifying its defense alliances beyond traditional partners.
Practical Military Cooperation Enabled by the Agreement
The agreement enables expanded training opportunities, intelligence sharing, and enhanced interoperability between the armed forces of both nations. This cooperative framework will likely focus on maritime security operations, disaster response capabilities, and counter-terrorism exercises – areas where both nations have established expertise and mutual interests.
Regional Context: Rising Tensions in the South China Sea
The signing of this agreement takes place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s assertive maritime actions have caused concern among regional nations, including the Philippines. In May 2023, a confrontation occurred at the Second Thomas Shoal when Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard ships conducting a routine resupply mission, causing significant damage to the Philippine vessel3.
New Zealand’s Evolving Position on Maritime Disputes
New Zealand has gradually become more vocal about its concerns regarding maritime security in the region. Previously, New Zealand had faced criticism for perceived mild responses to incidents in contested waters, with diplomatic and strategic analysts noting that its statements sometimes lacked direct references to China3. This evolution in New Zealand’s stance aligns with broader regional concerns about freedom of navigation and adherence to international maritime law.
Reinforcing a Rules-Based Order
Both countries share fundamental principles regarding the Indo-Pacific region, including support for a rules-based international order, freedom of navigation, and peaceful resolution of disputes. New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary for Americas and Asia, Ben King, has previously outlined principles that guide New Zealand’s approach to regional initiatives, emphasizing openness, inclusivity, and adherence to international law7.
Part of a Broader Alliance Strategy for the Philippines
The Philippines has been actively expanding its network of defense partnerships beyond its longstanding alliance with the United States. In addition to New Zealand, the country has been finalizing VFA discussions with Canada and initiating negotiations with France2. This multilateral approach reflects Manila’s strategic assessment that a broader coalition of security partners better serves its national interests in an increasingly complex regional environment.
Conclusion: Implications for Regional Security Architecture
The signing of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand represents a significant development in the evolving security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. By formalizing their defense cooperation, both countries have signaled their commitment to playing active roles in maintaining regional stability and upholding international norms in contested maritime spaces.
