US and Philippines deepen military ties with new intelligence pact, coordination center

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” played, and SecDef Lloyd Austin and Philippine officials signed a landmark General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in Manila, enhancing intelligence sharing and cooperation between the two allies, per Defense One. The agreement sets protocols for safeguarding classified information and represents a significant step in countering Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. It also paves the way for a Combined Coordination Center at Camp Aguinaldo and joint operational planning for exercises, maritime security, and humanitarian missions.

While the agreement underscores deepening ties, its ambitious goals face challenges from regional tensions and bureaucratic hurdles. Past US initiatives to support the Philippines have had mixed success, but this partnership could reshape the country’s security focus from internal insurgencies to external threats. With Austin's tenure ending soon, the pact signals a pivot toward sustained US-Philippines collaboration amid rising geopolitical competition.