Manila, July 15 -- The Philippines is quietly strengthening its defence ties with Taiwan amid growing concerns over Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and broader regional instability, Taipei Times reported.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said in a recent interview that "it would be hiding from the obvious to say that Taiwan's security will not affect us." His comments reflect a shift in Manila's posture, even as it maintains its official diplomatic recognition of Beijing, as reported by Taipei Times.

According to Philippine officials speaking on condition of anonymity, defence cooperation with Taiwan is "further along" than publicly acknowledged. This follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s new policy that has eas...