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Why Philippines may face ‘strategic dilemma’ over Nato partnership, US demands

The Philippines is seeking broader defence cooperation with Nato’s European members, even as US President Donald Trump remains critical of the transatlantic security alliance’s lack…

By Samantha Johnson / March 27, 2026

While some observers say the move dovetails with the long-standing security partnership between the Philippines and the United States, Nato’s dominant member, others argue that Manila could face a “strategic dilemma” if its ties with the 32-member alliance are contrary to Washington’s interests.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr raised the proposal with Nato Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, according to Manila’s Department of National Defence.

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The Philippines “is presently laying the groundwork” for enhanced interoperability and exchanges with Nato countries and the European Union, Teodoro said, according to several media reports. He added that he was guided by Manila’s duty to strengthen its resilience and protect the welfare of overseas Filipinos. There are an estimated 10 million Filipinos living and working in other countries.

Although a non-Nato member, the Philippines has been designated as a major partner of the alliance since 2003.

Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jnr speaks at the Shangri-la Dialogue Defence Summit in Singapore last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jnr speaks at the Shangri-la Dialogue Defence Summit in Singapore last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines and Nato member France signed an agreement on military personnel deployment and joint exercises in Paris on Thursday. It came after the Philippines and Germany, another Nato member, agreed last year to increase cooperation in security and defence equipment.

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