International Development and Security Cooperation

A traditional Tao plank canoe from Orchid Island reached the Philippines' Batan Island on Tuesday after encountering four-meter waves and strong winds in the Bashi Channel.

Tao canoe from Taiwan reaches Philippines despite rough seas | Taiwan News | Jun. 17, 2026 11:38 Canoe encountered 4-meter waves, severe flooding, and strong winds | Jun. 17, 2026 11:38

Steinmeier is the first German head of state to visit the Philippines since 1963.

"We say that prosperity and security in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific are closely linked and we in our regions know how important respectful international law is," he said.

Germany will provide the Philippine Coast Guard with drones, in a move to boost defense ties between the two countries.

Germany to provide PH Coast Guard with drones | ABS-CBN News The German leader also expressed hope for the ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Philippines and European Union

Geopolitical security analyst Chester Cabalza said the floating platform raised concern because of its location at Scarborough Shoal and the wider pattern of Chinese activity in disputed waters.

Cabalza, founding president of the Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, said the Philippines still had “multipronged options”, including diplomatic demarches and appeals to international law.

But he warned that any attempt to physically remove or disable the platform would carry serious risks. “Actual military strikes carry the immediate risk of escalating the Trojan horse into a full-scale regional conflict,” Cabalza said. “The question is, are we ready for the consequences?”

‘Not a single inch’: Philippines vows to block structures at Scarborough Shoal Observers say Beijing could be using its ‘old playbook’ of deploying scientific activities to boost military presence in the South China Sea.