The Philippines’ top Defense official has invited Ireland to join naval exercises, as Manila looks to expand its network of security partners amid lingering tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippine Defense department said Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with Ireland’s Ambassador to the Philippines Emma Hickey at the military headquarters in Manila on Monday to discuss strengthening defense cooperation, including maritime security and peacekeeping cooperation. “This effort is aligned with the department’s efforts in building its capabilities through establishing cross-regional linkages,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the invitation for joint maritime exercises reflects the “manifestation of both countries’ commitment to uphold a rules-based international order.”

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, October 9). Philippines asks Ireland to join naval drills in disputed South China Sea. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.