South Korea and the Philippines, each faced by increasingly hostile rival nations, have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, including broader defense and security cooperation between the two U.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed on Monday to boost defence cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing security challenges in the region.

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea and the Philippines agreed Monday to upgrade security ties to a “strategic partnership,” as Seoul becomes the latest regional democracy to boost its support for Manila as it confronts Chinese expansionism near its shores.

The Philippines and South Korea committed Monday to deepening maritime cooperation, their presidents said, in the face of China's assertion of its claims over the South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Monday his country and South Korea have upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, as he met visiting counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol for talks. The two leaders discussed various issues including the South China Sea and situation on the Korean peninsula,

The nations' leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation on Monday, as they upgraded relations and agreed to closer coastguard ties South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr agreed on Monday to boost defence cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing