MANILA, Philippines — The United States and the Philippines signed an agreement on Monday to secure the exchange of highly confidential military intelligence and technology in key weapons the U.S. would provide to Manila.

The deal, known as the General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA, is in essence a leveling floor. It enforces a basic set of standards for how the two countries handle classified information, making it easier for America to share such data in times of need.

The Philippines and the United States signed on Monday a military intelligence-sharing deal in a further deepening of defence ties between the two nations facing common security challenges in the region.