The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement on sharing military intelligence. The strengthening of military ties comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, signed the pact in Manila on Monday.

The deal, known as GSOMIA, allows both countries to share and access classified military information immediately.

Austin and Teodoro later attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new center that will enable the two militaries to coordinate command of joint operations.
Austin said, "This center will enable real time information sharing for a common operating picture. And it will help boost interoperability for many many years to come."

Teodoro said, "The United States' presence in the Indo-Pacific region is essential for maintaining peace and stability in this region."

He also indicated that the shared values of two nations will remain unchanged after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.