Philippines and Lithuania Forge Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions

On June 30, 2025, the Philippines and Lithuania formalized a defense cooperation agreement, enhancing their bilateral relations in response to ongoing geopolitical challenges in the West Philippine Sea. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in Makati City by Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, and Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania's Minister of National Defence.

This pact is a strategic component of the Marcos administration's efforts to build alliances against increasing regional threats, particularly those posed by neighboring powers. "There is a common threat that underscores our partnership, and that is the need to resist and ensure the proper application of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Secretary Teodoro stated during the signing ceremony.

The Philippines has faced heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea due to assertive maneuvers by China, which has claimed vast areas of these waters. This situation has prompted Manila to seek stronger defense ties not only with traditional allies like the United States but also with emerging partners like Lithuania.

Minister Šakalienė echoed this sentiment, noting that both countries share similar challenges regarding maritime security. "We see great potential for cooperation in various areas, including maritime security, especially concerning the activities of shadow fleets operated by larger nations in both the South China Sea and Baltic Sea," she remarked.

This agreement follows Lithuania’s participation as an observer in recent military exercises conducted by Manila and Washington, indicating a growing defense collaboration among nations concerned about regional security. The Philippines has also engaged in Lithuania's largest cyber defense drills, reinforcing mutual interests in cybersecurity and defense capabilities.

The geopolitical context of this pact cannot be understated. According to a report by the Asian Development Bank published in January 2023, the West Philippine Sea is vital not only for the Philippines but also for regional stability in Southeast Asia. The area is rich in resources and serves as a critical shipping route, making it a focal point of international maritime law disputes.

Experts have noted that the Philippines’ alliance with Lithuania, a country with its own history of regional threats from Russia, is a strategic maneuver in global diplomacy. Dr. Mark Thompson, a political analyst from the University of the Philippines, commented, "This partnership signals a shift in how the Philippines is approaching its defense strategy, moving towards a more diverse network of alliances that includes European nations."

The implications of this defense pact extend beyond military cooperation. Economically, it may foster increased trade and investment between the two nations, which have previously had limited economic ties. In 2022, bilateral trade between Lithuania and the Philippines was valued at approximately $50 million, a figure that both governments aim to significantly increase.

As the situation in the West Philippine Sea continues to evolve, the Philippines and Lithuania’s MOU represents not only a commitment to mutual defense but also a broader strategy to address shared security challenges. The future of this partnership will likely depend on ongoing regional developments and the responsiveness of both nations to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, this defense agreement marks a significant step for the Philippines in its quest for enhanced security through diversified international partnerships. It highlights the importance of international law and collaborative defense strategies in navigating a complex and often volatile geopolitical environment.