MANILA — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday said his country would work with the Philippines “to establish a rules-based maritime order,” including an “active” participation in the modernization of the Philippines military.

The Philippines and South Korea share “common values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” Yoon said in a speech delivered before business leaders in a hotel in Manila.

“We shared a common understanding about the importance of peace, stability and safety in the South Chia Sea, which is a critical sea lane of communications in the region,” he said.

“In this regard, our two countries will continue to work together in order to establish a rules-based maritime order and for the freedom of navigation and overflight pursuant to the principles of the international law on the South China Sea,” he said.

“Based on shared vision as strategic partners, we will foster closer cooperation and stronger solidarity moving forward,” he added.

The two countries made no direct reference to China, but Manila has been rebuking Beijing’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea, while Seoul has criticized Asia’s largest economy for continuing its ties and support for North Korea.

Tensions between South Korea and China also worsened as the East Asian peninsula became more critical and vocal of Beijing’s baseless claim in nearly the entire South China Sea.

South Korea will also “actively” help in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Yoon said.

“Our two countries concurred to strengthen strategic partnership  in the security front,” he said.

“We have agreed to enhance our cooperation in defense industry, in particular, Korea will actively take part in the horizon phase 3 of the modernization of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.

The Horizon 3 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP) outlines Philippines’ plan to strengthen its archipelagic defense systems.

The concept is designed to protect the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, the AFP earlier said.

The Philippines is looking at acquiring 12 FA-50PH light jet fighters acquired from South Korea, AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. had said.

“Our two countries will reinforce maritime security partnership in such areas as tackling transnational crime, information sharing and conducting search and rescue missions,” Yoon said.

“We, the two leaders, exchanged views on a wide range of issues in the region and across the globe and agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation to uphold  rules based international order,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on the other hand, “expressed support for the August 15 unification doctrine” and agreed that a “free, prosperous and unified Korean peninsula will bring more peace and prosperity to the world,” the South Korean leader said.

“We reaffirmed that the international community will never condone North Korea’s nuclear programs and its reckless provocations as well as its illegitimate military cooperation with Russia,” he said.

“Going forward, we agreed to keep working together for the enforcement of relevant UN security council resolutions,” he said.

Aside from maritime and defense cooperation, deals on economy, infrastructure and tourism were signed between the two countries during Yoon’s 2-day visit in Manila.