PH-New Zealand pact boost to peace, says top security official
The recently signed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sovfa) between the Philippines and New Zealand would strengthen both countries’ ability to respond to “encroachment that undermines sovereign rights,” National Security Council Adviser Eduardo Año said on Friday.
“This landmark agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to a rules-based international order, regional peace and stability and enhanced cooperation in both security and humanitarian domains,” he said in a statement.
Año stressed Sovfa reflects the mutual resolve of Manila and Wellington to bolster interoperability between their armed forces through joint training, capacity building and collaboration on disaster response, especially in light of shared vulnerability as nations located within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Shared commitment
“This agreement is not directed against any one state, but rather stands as a clear affirmation that the Philippines and New Zealand are committed to international law, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.
“We view this partnership as a step forward in strengthening our ability to respond to common challenges: be they natural disasters, transnational threats, or encroachments that undermine sovereign rights,” he added.
Año pointed out that by deepening our security cooperation with like-minded nations such as New Zealand, the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national interests while promoting regional stability, resilience and mutual respect among nations.
After the signing of the Sovfa on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the newly signed agreement would help Manila deter aggression in the disputed South China Sea.
Deterring aggression
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, which includes parts of the West Philippine Sea, waters within Manila’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone.
China has repeatedly ignored a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims in the strategic waterway, where about $3 trillion of trade passes annually.
The Philippines and China have had violent clashes in the West Philippine Sea, particularly during resupply missions.
On June 17 last year, China Coast Guard personnel wielded bolos, knives, spears, used tear gas, high-pitched sirens and high-powered strobe lights to disrupt the resupply mission of Filipino troops at Sierra Madre.
