# HD Hyundai

South Korea Deepens Defence Ties with the Philippines — Quiet on the South China Sea

South Korea and the Philippines upgraded ties during President Lee Jae‑myung’s state visit, signing memoranda that expand defence cooperation from arms sales to sustainment, AI and critical minerals. Lee avoided public mention of the South China Sea, underscoring Seoul’s careful balancing between deepening security ties in Southeast Asia and managing relations with China.