The Philippines and South Korea: A time-tested partnership with vast strategic potential

The Philippines and South Korea share a historic partnership that has withstood the test of time. 

One of the earliest and most defining moments of cooperation between the two nations centered on the significant participation and contribution of 7,420 Filipino soldiers in defending the sovereignty of South Korea during the Korean War.

Since then, the partnership has dramatically evolved into a multi-dimensional relationship characterized by adherence to shared democratic principles and the collective desire to maintain the rules-based order in what is today recognized as the Indo-Pacific region.

Consequently, the defense and economic dimensions have gained considerable traction in bilateral cooperation between Seoul and Manila. 

On the economic front, South Korea has established its role as one of the Philippines' largest development partners, with a contribution of US$ 2.1 billion as of 2020. South Korea is also ranked as the fourth in bilateral trade with the Philippines and the sixth in total approved investments as of 2022.

In defense, South Korea serves as one of the most crucial partners of the Philippines as it modernizes its military. It is important to note that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has integrated 12 South Korean-made FA-50 multirole jet fighters into its air defense capabilities. 

Moreover, Seoul has also been critical in building the Philippines' maritime security capacity. For instance, shipyards in South Korea have provided the Philippine Navy (PN) with its first two missile frigates.

At the same time, there are ongoing discussions regarding the supply of more corvettes and offshore patrol vessels to the Southeast Asian country in the coming years.

As this year marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, it is essential to contemplate not just the significant milestones of the partnership but the growing potential that both countries must maximize in the years to come.

Accordingly, on September 20 at the Fairmont Makati, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Korea Foundation, provided a much-needed platform for this conversation by hosting a conference entitled “Enhancing Indo-Pacific Security: Philippines-Republic of