US EditionPhilippines, Australia Draw Closer with a Joint Eye on China
The Philippines and Australia plan annual defense minister meetings and joint military exercises to strengthen regional deterrence against China's actions in the South China Sea, officials said.
- On Friday, August 22, 2025, Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles opened talks in Makati City, Metro Manila, while a statement of intent was signed following their meeting to pursue a defence cooperation agreement.
- Regional tensions have risen after a two-ship collision last week and increased Chinese maneuvers near Ayungin Shoal this past Thursday, amid China's claim over the South China Sea, which handles more than $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce.
- Exercise details show that ALON 2025 involves 3,600 personnel in a 15-day drill starting August 15, with BRP Jose Rizal and HMAS Brisbane maneuvering and activities in NOLCOM and WESCOM; defense chiefs will visit Palawan.
- Officials say the pact would boost interoperability by enabling more frequent joint drills and combined operational planning, while Australia highlighted eight infrastructure projects across five Philippine locations and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro cautioned it would not mirror the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement .
- The 2016 tribunal ruling reinforced Manila's legal position and Manila maintains the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin, while conducting regular joint drills with the United States, illustrating broader alliance ties.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Philippines, Australia draw closer with a joint eye on China
MANILA – Philippine and Australian defense chiefs met for high-level talks Friday to boost cooperation amid increased intimidation tactics by China in the Southeast Asian nation’s internationally recognized waters. The meeting between Filipino defense chief Gilberto Teodoro and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles took place as both countries continue to grapple with Beijing’s rising aggressiveness […] The post Philippines, Australia draw c…
Philippines, Australia agree to ‘defense infra’ talks
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia on Friday, August 22, agreed to start talks for a “defense cooperation agreement” that would help “increase the tempo” of joint exercises and operations between the two militaries. The statement of intent was signed following Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Chief Richard Marles’ meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The two defense chiefs are expected to …
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayPhilippines and Australia team up on defence pact to counter China’s South China Sea moves
MANILA, Aug 22 — The Philippines and Australia are working towards a new defence agreement to be signed next year, their defence ministers said today, as both nations seek to step up military cooperation to deal with shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the enhanced defence cooperation pact will pave the way for more frequent joint military drills aimed at boosting combined operational…
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