South Korean Marine Corps chief visits Philippines to boost joint military and defense industry ties

South Korea’s Marine Corps commandant, Lt. Gen. Ju Il-suk, began a visit to the Philippines that will run through Wednesday. During the trip he is scheduled to meet Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Bayani V. Curaming, the deputy commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. The discussions will focus on improving joint coordination between the two marine services and widening cooperation in the defence-industry sector.

Ju will also attend a ceremony at a Korean War memorial, offering tribute to the Filipino soldiers who fought with South Korean forces during the 1950-53 war. Officials say the talks aim to deepen bilateral security ties in a region of growing strategic importance. The visit underscores both nations’ intent to broaden military collaboration beyond traditional exercises.