South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Arrives in Manila for State Visit — Nuclear, Shipbuilding, and Defense Deals on the Table

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is flying into Manila on Tuesday, March 3, for a two-day state visit that could reshape the Philippines' partnerships in nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and defense. It's the second time Lee and President Marcos Jr. are meeting, following their first encounter at the APEC summit in October.

According to Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the two leaders will explore ways to deepen cooperation in defense industry, infrastructure, trade, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The talks signal South Korea's growing interest in the Philippines as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia.

Lee arrived in Manila after wrapping up a three-day state visit to Singapore, where he met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and attended the AI Connect Summit. His two-nation Southeast Asian trip underscores Korea's pivot toward stronger ASEAN ties under his presidency.

Philippine and South Korean flags were already spotted lining Ayala Bridge in Manila ahead of the visit. The state dinner and formal ceremonies are expected on Tuesday, with Lee scheduled to return to Seoul on Wednesday.

For the Philippines, the visit could open doors to Korean nuclear technology, shipbuilding expertise, and defense equipment — sectors where South Korea is a global leader. It's a diplomatic win at a time when the country is actively seeking to diversify its international partnerships amid global uncertainty.

Source: Yonhap News Agency / BusinessWorld