In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in the Pacific region. Israel sees the region as a relevant market for defense exports.
The Philippines is working on a long-term plan to modernize its military. Israel is also looking to expand its presence in the Middle East and South Asia, especially in the region of the Pacific Ocean, where it has a strong presence. In the past, the Philippines has been concerned about the entry of Chinese ships into its waters. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, with the most recent being in the 1950s.