The Philippines and Australia are preparing to sign a new defense agreement next year, the two countries’ defense ministers announced on Friday, underscoring their efforts to expand military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the enhanced cooperation pact would allow for more frequent joint exercises designed to improve combined operational capability and strengthen regional deterrence.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, visiting Manila for a ministerial meeting, said the agreement would also support the development of defense infrastructure in the Philippines, with projects planned at five sites. He did not disclose further details.
The ministers’ announcement comes as both countries increase security cooperation in response to China’s actions in the South China Sea. Philippine military officials reported a buildup of Chinese vessels near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal ahead of Marles’ arrival, coinciding with joint drills between Manila and Canberra.
Those exercises, named ALON—the Filipino word for “wave”—began on August 15 and are scheduled to run for 15 days. They include a joint sail involving the navies of the Philippines, Australia and Canada in the South China Sea, where tensions remain high following a collision between two Chinese vessels last week.At a joint press conference with Marles, Teodoro described China’s conduct in the disputed waters as “a matter not only of concern but of condemnation,” adding that it had deepened what he called a “trust deficit” with Beijing. He said the Philippines cannot prevent China’s unilateral actions but stressed the importance of building deterrence.
Photos: Daniel Ceng (AA)