German-Philippine defense deal on tap

MANILA, Philippines -- Germany and the Philippines agreed Sunday to rapidly finalize a defense pact that would allow joint military training and the possible sale of German weapons to address security threats, including China's growing aggression in the South China Sea, which Manila's defense chief said was "the sole cause of tensions" and conflicts in the disputed waters.

China has long claimed much of the entire seaway, a key global trade and security route, and vowed to defend its territorial interests at all costs.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the proposed Arrangement on Defense Cooperation that he and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed in talks in the capital, Manila, could be concluded as early as this year given current security concerns.