The presidents of South Korea and the Philippines have elevated their status to a ‘strategic partnership.’ The decision came after increasing security threats from China and North Korea.

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Both countries are facing increased aggression from neighbors. The Philippines is party to the conflict in the South China Sea amid a rise in tensions with Beijing, and Pyongyang has recently ramped up threats against Seoul.

For his part, Yoon stressed the need for peace in the key waterway, and “reaffirmed that the international community will never condone North Korea’s nuclear programs and its reckless provocations, as well as its illegitimate military cooperation with Russia.”

Last month, Marcos also established stronger defense ties with Vietnam in order to counter Chinese intimidation.