PH invites Ireland to naval exercises amid South China Sea row

The Philippines has invited Ireland to participate in naval exercises as part of Manila's strategy to broaden its security partnerships amidst ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. discussed enhanced defense cooperation, including maritime security and peacekeeping, with Irish Ambassador to the Philippines Emma Hickey.

This invitation aims to strengthen bilateral ties and reflects a shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order.

The move is part of the Philippines' broader initiative to expand its alliances and bolster maritime security through multinational cooperation.

This expansion of alliances comes as the Philippines continues to push back against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, a region marked by territorial disputes and a 2016 international arbitration ruling against Beijing's claims.