Philippines, Lithuania Deepen Defense Ties Amid China Tensions

Lithuania and the Philippines move toward closer military cooperation against Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene speaks in the fifth plenary session titled “Cross-regional Security Interlinkages” during the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on June 1, 2025. Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

The Philippines and Lithuania have strengthened security ties in the face of threats from totalitarian states, including communist China, during the first formal visit by the Baltic state’s defense minister to Manila this week.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene visited the headquarters of the Philippine Navy in Manila on July 2, days after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines to boost defense cooperation.