Manila/Wellington - The Philippines and New Zealand have initiated negotiations on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFA), a move aimed at bolstering defense cooperation amid escalating maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

The first round of discussions took place last week in Manila, with officials from both countries' defense, justice, and foreign affairs ministries participating. The SOFA, once finalized, will enable the two nations to deploy troops on each other's territory, facilitating joint military exercises and deepening overall defense ties.

This development comes as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its defense partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. In recent months, the country has ratified a similar agreement with Japan and has existing defense pacts with the United States and Australia. Negotiations with France are also underway.

The South China Sea has been a major point of contention, with China asserting expansive territorial claims that overlap with those of several other nations, including the Philippines. Beijing's claims have been consistently challenged by an international tribunal ruling, which deemed them to have no legal basis.

Frequent encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the strategic waterway have underscored the growing tensions in the region.

This new agreement with New Zealand signifies the Philippines' continued efforts to enhance its defense capabilities and regional security posture in the face of China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.