German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius meets with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang Palace on August 05, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Photo: VCG

The German defense minister's interactions with the Philippine president and the Philippine defense chief, along with their discussions over a security agreement, aim to highlight Germany's "influence" in the Asia-Pacific region, and such move also aligns with the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy," underscoring Germany's opportunism, analysts said. While the Philippines has intensified efforts to involve more external countries in the South China Sea issue to counter China, neither the US, Germany, nor any other country would genuinely protect the Philippines, they noted. 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and reinforced the Philippines' ties with Germany. Pistorius has also met with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro. The two sides committed to signing a defense cooperation arrangement this year.

The main reason for Germany to strengthen military cooperation with the Philippines is to demonstrate its stance to the US. A key area for the military cooperation between Germany and the Philippines is military equipment and Germany may sell aircraft, missiles, command and control systems, and other military equipment to the Philippines in the future, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times. 

However, many US allies, including Germany, are currently mired in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "The extent to which they can provide substantial assistance to the Philippines is questionable," said Zhang. 

Germany's efforts to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific are partly aimed at aligning with the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy." Moreover, Germany hopes to highlight its influence and role in the region, reflecting its opportunistic approach, Zhang said. 

While the Philippines is welcoming cooperation with the US and its allies with the purpose to provoke China on the South China Sea, it should know that neither Germany, the UK, France, Japan, nor the US will truly protect it, Zhang said.