PH and South Korea: 75 years and counting

The Philippines was the fifth country to recognize the Republic of Korea (ROK), which was inaugurated in August 1948. The two countries’ bilateral relations began in March 1949; such a relationship was strengthened by the sending of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea—PEFTOK—during the Korean War in the 1950s.

Seventy-five years on, Philippine-Korea relations are still thriving amid an environment of asymmetric security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The past seven and a half decades have been built around a shared history, the common values of freedom and democracy, aspirations for a peaceful and secure region, and robust collaboration that spans various areas of cooperation.

Today as before, the friendship is cemented by how our two countries strive to flourish despite the precarious environment we both find ourselves in. The challenges we face are similar. Their Korean Peninsula and our West Philippine Sea (WPS) are both flashpoints for conflict. Our friendship with Korea, thus, is sustained by an affinity from a long history, a shared predicament, and equally firm commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

The friendship is not only defined by lofty diplomatic declarations, of course. The robust partnership extends across various sectors.

On trade and investment, for instance, the ROK serves as one of the top Philippine beneficial investment partners. According to the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the ROK invested more than $120 million (156 cases) in the Philippines in 2023.

In line with this, high-tech electronics and semiconductor companies, such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corp. and SFA Semicon Philippines Corp., are thriving. Furthermore, the upcoming establishment of Hyundai shipyard in Subic Bay is expected to be the largest foreign direct investment in the country’s history.

The signing of the ROK-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which will be enacted soon, is also a testament to the strengthening of the economic ties between the two countries.

In the area of defense and security, South Korea has been our staunch ally as we uphold the preservation of the international rule of law. It has been a major supporter of the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the WPS. And beyond mere expression of support, it has been helping us bolster our military capabilities so we can defend ourselves better.

South Korea has actively participated in joint military exercises, including Balikatan and Pacific Partnership, and has maintained regular military exchanges and visits with the Philippines. Last June, the Korea Coast Guard visited Manila to conduct the first-ever joint exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard.

It is also a vital partner as we modernize our armed forces. This modernization is an integral component of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept which our government recently adopted. In fact, South Korea’s presence and support is felt and seen in all three areas of our military.

For instance, in 2022, their government donated the K-136 “Kooryong” multilaunch rocket system to the Philippine Army, further strengthening both our internal and external defense.

The Philippine Air Force operates South Korean-made FA-50PH light jet fighters, which have significantly improved our air defense capabilities. They are considered the most capable and potent aircraft in the country’s inventory and have been deployed to participate in joint exercises with other countries.

And then, concerning the Philippine Navy, one of the two guided-missile corvettes procured by the Philippines from the South Korean manufacturer HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was recently launched in South Korea. It is expected to be delivered in 2025, with the second one slated for delivery the following year. Even before this, HHI had already constructed two Jose Rizal-class frigates, which are presently the most advanced warships in the Philippine Navy.

Earlier this year, Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos announced that Philippine Navy personnel are scheduled to be deployed to South Korea next year for training.

Finally, Korean defense firm Hanwha Ocean has also stepped up and offered to build submarines, aiming to further enhance the Philippines’ naval capabilities.

All of the above are prime examples of the continuing bond between our two peace-loving countries.

Friends may have similar circumstances and deal with similar struggles but if their relationship is not nurtured, the friendship would not have longevity. In the case of Korea, we are happy and thankful that both our countries have been actively taking care of the partnership over the years.

The relationship is set to reach new heights with the anticipated signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and ROK.

Indeed, the challenges of today demand an even deeper relationship. We look forward to an even more meaningful connection with our friend and partner, ROK.

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Dindo Manhit is founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group.