Philippines and Lithuania Forge Defense Pact Against Shared Global Threats

In a historic move, the Philippines and Lithuania have signed a defense cooperation agreement, marking a new chapter in strategic partnerships between two nations thousands of miles apart yet bound by common security challenges. Signed on June 30 in Manila, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė establishes a framework for collaboration on cybersecurity, maritime security, and defense industry initiatives, reflecting a shared resolve to counter pressures from global powers.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

The agreement, described by Teodoro as “groundbreaking,” formalizes closer ties between the defense establishments of both countries. It paves the way for joint efforts in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, explosives production, and maritime capabilities, according to a statement from the Philippines’ Department of National Defense. Beyond technology and industry, the deal also facilitates intelligence sharing, military exchanges, and participation in exercises like Lithuania’s “Amber Mist” cyber defense drill, to which Filipino forces have been invited this November.

Šakalienė, on her first official visit to the Philippines as defense minister, emphasized the urgency of such partnerships in an era of escalating global tensions. “We welcome the possibility of deeper political and military dialogue, including mutual visits” she said. She extended an invitation for a Philippine defense delegation to visit Lithuania later this year, signaling an intent to sustain momentum in this newfound alliance.

Shared Threats Across Continents

Despite their geographical distance, the Philippines and Lithuania face strikingly similar threats, particularly in the maritime domain. Šakalienė highlighted mutual concerns over regional security, pointing to the activities of “shadow fleets” operated by Russia and China in both Baltic and South China Sea waters. “We reaffirmed shared concerns over regional security, and one of the topics of common interest is maritime security” she said, underscoring the parallel challenges of protecting national waters from external interference.

Lithuania’s own experiences with maritime and undersea infrastructure threats, including mysterious cable cuts and sabotage, have led to the development of new response protocols—insights that Šakalienė shared with her Philippine counterpart during their discussions. For the Philippines, which has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, such expertise could prove invaluable. Šakalienė condemned the aggression faced by Filipino fishermen, stating, “We see these horrifying materials, videos, how they are threatening Filipino fishermen, how they are treating people who are simply making their living in their own waters… it’s very clear.”

Her remarks reflect a broader narrative of solidarity among smaller nations. Teodoro echoed this sentiment, noting that “extra-regional partnerships” are essential for countries like the Philippines and Lithuania to address “common threats, common challenges, not only of threat actors but also of situational considerations.”

Countering Authoritarian Alliances

A significant undercurrent of the agreement is the shared perception of growing cooperation among authoritarian states. Šakalienė warned of an efficient network of support among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, citing their combined political, financial, and military backing as a direct threat to global stability. “We see one of the worst results of their cooperation in Ukraine, where Russia, working together with Iran, with North Korea, and China, is annihilating a free and independent country in the middle of Europe” she said.

For Lithuania, the stakes are personal. Šakalienė herself was sanctioned by Beijing in 2021 for her outspoken criticism of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to navigate tensions with China over disputed territories in the South China Sea, bolstered by international support such as Lithuania’s endorsement of the 2016 arbitral ruling in Manila’s favor. This convergence of grievances has catalyzed a partnership rooted in mutual resistance to unilateral actions that undermine international norms.

Teodoro stressed the importance of upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as a bulwark for smaller nations. “There is one common threat that underlies our partnership: We must resist and insist on the proper application of international law… and resist any attempt to unilaterally redefine them” he said. This commitment to legal frameworks is seen as essential for preserving territorial integrity and sovereignty against larger, more assertive powers.

Practical Steps and Future Horizons

The MOU outlines several practical areas of collaboration. Beyond cybersecurity and maritime security, both nations aim to tackle hybrid threats, disinformation, and societal resilience. Discussions also touched on the potential exchange of classified information, support for Ukraine, and cooperation on national security-related migration issues. These initiatives suggest a comprehensive approach to defense that extends beyond traditional military concerns to encompass modern, multifaceted challenges.

However, the scope of military engagement remains constrained for now. Teodoro noted that broader joint exercises would require a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, a legal framework yet to be established. “For broader military exercises, we need a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement” he said. “Now let’s see where our cooperation will lead us.” This cautious approach indicates that while the political will for deeper ties exists, logistical and legal hurdles must still be addressed.

The agreement builds on earlier interactions, notably between Teodoro and Šakalienė at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1. That forum, a key platform for regional security discussions, provided the initial impetus for bilateral talks, culminating in this week’s landmark deal. It also reflects a broader trend of small states aligning to amplify their voices on the global stage, a strategy Teodoro described as necessary “in spite of the fact that we are from different regions, because the threats and the threat actors are similar.”

Learning from Each Other

For the Philippines, the partnership offers access to Lithuania’s advancements in defense technology and resilience strategies. Lithuania, a vocal advocate for cybersecurity and hybrid threat response, brings expertise honed through its own confrontations with regional adversaries. The Baltic nation’s experience in safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables, could inform Philippine efforts to secure its maritime borders and energy resources in the South China Sea.

Conversely, Lithuania stands to gain from the Philippines’ insights into navigating complex maritime disputes and asserting sovereignty in contested waters. Šakalienė’s call for a united front—“If they work together to threaten us, then we must work together to defend ourselves and to send a very clear strategic message. We are not going to let ourselves be scared”—encapsulates the mutual benefit of this alliance. It is a message not only of defiance but of proactive collaboration, aimed at deterring aggression through collective strength.

A Model for Small Nations?

The Philippines-Lithuania defense pact may serve as a blueprint for other small nations grappling with disproportionate threats from global powers. By pooling resources, sharing intelligence, and aligning on international legal principles, countries with limited individual clout can forge coalitions that enhance their security and diplomatic leverage. This agreement, though modest in scope compared to alliances with major powers, underscores the potential of unconventional partnerships to address shared vulnerabilities.

Analysts suggest that such pacts could inspire similar arrangements in Southeast Asia and beyond, particularly among nations facing maritime or cyber threats. The Philippines, already a hub of regional alliances through frameworks like ASEAN and bilateral deals with the United States and Japan, may find in Lithuania a partner that, while distant, offers a unique perspective on resilience and resistance. If successful, this collaboration could encourage other small states to seek out like-minded allies, reshaping global security dynamics in subtle but significant ways.

As this partnership unfolds, its impact on regional and global security remains to be seen. Will it deter aggressive actions in the South China Sea or the Baltic region? Can it evolve into a broader coalition of small states united by common threats? For now, the agreement stands as a testament to the power of solidarity, a signal that even nations separated by vast distances can stand shoulder to shoulder against shared challenges.