Germany joining maritime patrols in West PH Sea ‘on the table’ – AFP

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine military says Germany is welcome to participate in the country’s monthly multilateral maritime cooperative activities conducted with like-minded nations in the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking at a Stratbase Forum in Taguig on Tuesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans Major General Rommel Cordova said that Germany’s participation in such patrols remains an open possibility.

“That's always on the table. In fact, our joint sails are on a monthly basis and we are offering [them] not only to Germany but to anybody who is able to join us,” Cordova said. “They are very much welcome if they are willing to sail as close in those areas.”

He added that these maritime activities are often conducted in areas where Chinese presence is observed.

“It now depends on the risk appetite of the partners,” Cordova said. “This is not only about joint sails — we can do joint patrols over the air or exercises.”

German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke acknowledged that the new defense cooperation agreement between Manila and Berlin will lead to deeper training and capacity-building initiatives. However, he cautioned that it does not automatically mean regular joint patrols.

“The Indo-Pacific has been deployed last year and the German government has committed to continue these things,” the envoy said. “But this will not lead to permanent presence which would allow regular joint patrol and exercises. This will remain — let’s be realistic — some expectation management is needed.”

In a separate keynote address, Pfaffernoschke emphasized that Germany’s engagement in the region is rooted in a three-pillar security strategy:

“The first one: strengthening the security structures of partners and regional organizations. This means providing targeted support through training, capacity building, or advisory missions to help our partners to develop credible and sustainable defense institutions. Security cannot be outsourced, but it can be strengthened through solidarity and collaboration,” the envoy said.

Pfaffernoschke described Germany’s decision to strengthen defense ties with the Philippines as "strategic" and "timely," given the changing regional dynamics.

“Germany's decision to deepen defense cooperation with the Philippines is not accidental. It's strategic, based on policy guidelines, based on pillars, based on policy decisions. And it is timely — based on the convergence of interests, values, and regional dynamics,” he added.