Manila: The Philippines' defense partnerships with other nations are not confined to military-to-military relations but also emphasize country-to-country relations, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing regarding the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and France.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro highlighted the collaboration with France in industrial, technological, economic, and disaster resilience sectors. The proposed SOVFA was approved at the committee level, emphasizing the importance of industrial synergies for sustainable defense industries. Teodoro described the partnership with France as an extension of broader country-to-country relations, noting France's significance as a European and Pacific power with territories in the Pacific.

He further emphasized France's contributions to multilateral exercises and support for Philippine defense modernization across various domains, including maritime, land, aerial, cyber, and intelligence. Teodoro underscored the necessity of alliances amid increasing tensions, particularly due to China's unilateral actions in the region, which he described as illegal.

The Philippines-France SOVFA, signed on March 26, 2026, by Teodoro and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin, aims to enhance connectivity and defense synergies for the Philippines.

Meanwhile, during the 2nd Manila Strategy Forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Teodoro expressed concerns over China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea, urging a change in response strategies. He cited incidents of harassment by Chinese vessels and the establishment of a marine observatory in Bajo De Masinloc as examples of China's increasing activities.

Teodoro stressed the importance of resilience and firm positions in defending the Philippines' maritime domain, including its extended continental shelf. He noted the global shift towards a Sinocentric order and called for a reassessment of reactions to China's behavior, which he characterized as lacking decency and abusing diplomatic courtesies.

Reflecting on his recent participation in the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Teodoro criticized China's conduct, highlighting the need for the international community to address what he termed 'wolf warrior diplomacy' by the Chinese Embassy.