The Philippines’ Engagement with South Korea: An Enduring and Promising Strategic Partnership

Author: Deryk Matthew N. Baladjay

Published: 21 April 2026

ISEAS Perspective 2026/26

 

In his first address to the 77th United Nations General Assembly in 2022, then President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned of “widening geopolitical polarities and sharpening strategic competitions” – a sentiment capturing the Philippines’ increasingly complex security environment. Situated at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific, Manila faces multidimensional security challenges shaped by the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, renewed big-power competition, and persistent regional flashpoints much closer to its borders. 

 

For full article, please open the link:

https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2026-26-the-philippines-engagement-with-south-korea-an-enduring-and-promising-strategic-partnership-by-deryk-matthew-n-baladjay/

 

The article was published by ISEAS.

IRSEA and ISEAS have agreed to enter into a relationship of cooperation.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA