The Philippines and ⁠France ⁠have signed a visiting ⁠forces agreement that would allow them to conduct ​joint military training in each other’s territory, as Manila expands defence ‌ties amid rising tensions ‌with Beijing in the South China Sea. Philippine Defence Secretary ⁠Gilberto Teodoro ⁠and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine ​Vautrin signed the agreement on March 26 during a meeting in Paris, where they discussed regional security challenges and reaffirmed support for ​rules-based international order. The two also called for “the peaceful resolution of ⁠disputes” and ⁠the need to strengthen ⁠supply ​chain resilience in times of crisis. “The agreement will greatly bolster bilateral ​cooperation and offer ⁠an adequate level of legal protection to the joint activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces,” the Philippine defence department said in a statement.

Full report : France, Philippines Sign Military Agreement Amid China Tensions.