In 2025, the Philippines actively diversified its security partnerships, signing visiting forces agreements and conducting joint drills with countries like Canada, New Zealand, and France, as part of efforts to boost deterrence against regional threats.
At the close of 2025, Marites Dañguilan Vitug highlighted in her video review that the Philippines' foreign affairs and defense departments had a busy year. It marked the implementation of the 'two-D policy'—diversification and deterrence—on land and sea. Diplomats forged strategic partnerships while defense officials sealed visiting forces agreements (VFAs) with several countries, riding the momentum from 2024.
In the 'Hindi Ito Marites' series, Vitug explored key relationships. Taiwan was described as a 'sensitive tooth' due to the one-China policy, potentially a 'tinderbox that could ignite a full-scale global conflict,' as per J. Michael Cole. India emerged as the strongest strategic partner in Asia, with a joint naval drill in the West Philippine Sea in November. Canada signed a VFA, eyeing Southeast Asia and viewing China as a 'disruptive power.' France is set to sign a VFA this year, following a joint drill in November. New Zealand inked a VFA in April, and talks with the UK are expected after Lord Coaker's September visit. The US will remain the largest security presence in 2026.
These videos, produced by JC Gotinga's team, are available on Rappler's platforms. Vitug invited readers to follow the geopolitical travelogue into 2026.
