Can you guess who the real friends of the Philippines Are? Although the Philippines has good relations with many countries, we will mention only 9 reliable friends here. The Philippines further strengthened its international relations after independence. After gaining independence from Spanish colonial rule, it realized the importance of strong partners. In fact, the Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain.
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9. Thailand
The two countries signed a Friendship Treaty on June 14, 1949. Both countries are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand is one of the Philippines major trading partners. In 2018, the Philippines exported goods worth US$2.9 billion to Thailand. The Philippines imported goods worth US$7.79 billion from Thailand.
In 2018, more than 55,000 Thai citizens visited the Philippines, while more than 430,000 Filipinos traveled to Thailand.
8: Taiwan
Taiwan was the 3rd largest foreign investor in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Taiwan was the Philippines’ 4th largest trading partner in 2020. Both countries are located near the South China Sea, so both consider China a threat. Therefore, their interests have become aligned, which makes maintaining strong cooperation between them a necessity for survival. The Philippines exports to Taiwan are worth US$2.06 billion, while its imports from Taiwan amount to US$5.06 billion.
7: Japan
Relations between Japan and the Philippines have been tense in the past. However, in the present era, relations between the two countries have become very friendly. In fact, Japan provided over US$550 million worth of goods and services as reparations for the damage Japan had caused to the Philippines during World War II. This important step has greatly improved the relationship between the two countries.
According to a 2011 BBC World Service survey, the Philippines had become one of the most pro-Japanese societies in the entire globe. Where over 84% of Filipinos had judged the Japanese favorably.
6: Malaysia
Malaysia can be ranked sixth on the list of Friends of the Philippines. Malaysia is one of the Philippines major trading partners. Both countries are members of ASEAN, which allows them to enjoy mutual cooperation and support. Malaysia is one of the major sources of foreign investment in the Philippines. The two countries’ mutual assistance during natural disasters is a sign of their cooperation and friendship.
In 2002, the Philippines was Malaysia’s 16th largest export partner, while it was the 9th largest importer in terms of imports. Tourism and cultural exchanges also strengthen relations between the two countries.
5: Australia
The Filipino community is the fifth largest in Australia. The two countries have cooperation in security, investment, trade and other areas. President Marcos visited Australia in 2024 and addressed a joint session of parliament there. He was the only Filipino president to do so, which shows how strong the cooperation between the two countries is. The Australian military helped liberate the Philippines during World War II (WW2).
Why is Australia among Friends of the Philippines?
- More than 30,000 Filipino students are studying in Australian universities.
- Trade between the two countries reached $10.8 billion in 2025.
- More than 4,000 Australian soldiers contributed to the Allied victory in the Philippines.
- Over 200 Australian companies are established in the Philippines.
- Australian companies provide jobs to more than 40,000 Filipinos.
- Taxes on trade between the two countries have been reduced under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
4: Indonesia
Since achieving independence, both nations have maintained excellent relations and consistently supported one another. Indonesia and the Philippines share various non-traditional security challenges, such as terrorism and climate change. Currently, Indonesia serves as the Philippines’ primary coal supplier, accounting for roughly 70% of its coal imports. As key commercial partners, both countries have established agreements across multiple sectors, including satellite internet, coal supply, energy, data centers, construction, and infrastructure.
3: South Korea
The Philippines was one of the nations that aided South Korea in the Korean War (1950–1953). So South Korea thanked the Philippines for being the premier Asian country to send combat troops. Therefore, South Korea appreciates the Philippines. South Korea is one of the Philippines major trading partners and investors. In recent years, South Korea and the Philippines have agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a new level and broaden their cooperation in a variety of fields such as nuclear power plants, green technology, and smart cities.
2: Singapore
Official diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Singapore began on May 16, 1969, and have since strengthened across trade, defense, culture, and citizen bonds. In 2019, both nations celebrated their 50th anniversary. Singapore was the Philippines’ 4th largest trading partner in 2013, with $8.22 billion (₱454.97B, S$10.94B) in bilateral trade, and its 6th biggest tourist source with over 175,000 arrivals. Today, Singapore hosts around 180,000 to 200,000 Filipinos who actively contribute to the economic development of both countries.
1: USA
The Philippines is one of the oldest Asian partners of the United States. During World War II, Japan had occupied the Philippines, upon which the United States fought against Japan together with the Philippines. The Philippines is included in the US’s list of Major Non-NATO Allies (MNNA). The United States was constantly listed as one of the Philippines preferred places in the world, with 92% of Filipinos judging the U.S. favorably in 2015.
The United States helps the Philippines with economic aid, military cooperation, counterterrorism assistance, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, education, and more. For the United States, the Philippines is an excellent strategic location to counter China, which is why the Philippines receives considerable military support from the United States.
Final thoughts
The above 9 Friends of the Philippines and other allies such as Canada, Britain, France, and Germany have supported it in its dealings with China. Major powers often support the Philippines to balance China in the South China Sea because the Philippines’ geographical position has a strategic importance and plays an important role in limiting China’s influence. The Philippines is also considered an excellent location for global trade.
FAQS:
Who are the Philippines friends with?
It has good relations with the USA, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, India and ASEAN countries, which can be seen as close partners or friends.
Who is the Philippines’ biggest enemy?
The Philippines does not officially declare anyone its enemy, but it sees China as a threat in the South China Sea.
Who is the Philippines’ biggest ally?
You can call the USA a close ally in military terms because it consistently supports the Philippines in balancing China in the South China Sea. The US provides military aid, training, intelligence and security support to the Philippines.
Are the USA and Philippines best friends?
The USA can be called the closest partner (best military ally) in terms of military support on the list of “Friends of the Philippines”. The strategic location of the Philippines is very important for the US to balance China, especially in the South China Sea.
What country protects the Philippines?
The Philippines and the United States signed a military agreement in 1951, under which both countries would support each other if either country was attacked militarily.
The Philippines also has cooperation with Australia in the areas of naval security and counter-terrorism.
Is the Philippines allies with Canada?
Both have good relations. The Filipino community is the third largest minority community in Canada. During Covid-19, Canada donated 120,000 N95 respirator masks.
