AFP, CHINA and the Philippines agreed during a visit by President Hu Jintao Wednesday to explore the possibility of forging military ties between them, the Philippines' defense secretary said.
The countries, which have overlapping claims to territory in the South China Sea, agreed to dialogue next month to explore possible cooperation on maritime security and disaster coordination, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said.
They would also discuss the possibility of joint sea border patrols and even joint military exercises, Cruz told reporters.
The development came as Hu called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the second day of a state visit.
The two countries have rival claims on the Spratly island group as well as the Scarborough Shoal, both in the South China Sea.
The Spratlys are also claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The two countries could also promote interaction between their police and military forces, including sending cadets to each other's military and police schools, Cruz said.
Arroyo has said the United States, China and Japan were the three countries that would most influence the Philippines' future.
China's soaring economy has turned it into the Philippines' fourth largest trading partner this year.
Manila has an existing mutual defense agreement with the United States.
