Australia, Philippines Forge Stronger Military Alliance
(MENAFN) Australia and the Philippines have committed to deepening their military alliance, setting their sights on a formal defense agreement to be signed by next year, officials said Friday.
Speaking alongside Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro in Manila, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that both governments had “signed a statement of intent to pursue a defense cooperation agreement that we will seek to sign this time next year.”
Marles described the forthcoming pact as a significant milestone: “This will be a really important step forward in terms of our defense relationship.”
The proposed deal, intended to expand on the 1995 memorandum of understanding between the two nations, will establish regular annual meetings between defense ministers and explore greater coordination of joint military exercises and operations.
“To that extent, we have also, as part of our outcomes, agreed to pursue a defense infrastructure plan. Right now, Australia is pursuing eight different infrastructure projects across five different locations here in the Philippines,” Marles added.
However, Teodoro declined to offer specifics about the infrastructure developments. “We cannot tell you,” he said, adding pointedly: “Only China will benefit if we tell you.”
Describing the joint declaration as a tangible outcome of shared strategic goals, Teodoro said it marked a turning point: “It is appropriate for such a defense cooperation agreement to be signed next year when the Philippines hosts ASEAN for next year as the chair.”
When questioned about regional security, Marles emphasized Australia's trust in its enduring alliance with the United States, describing Washington as a fully dependable partner. Teodoro shared this view, highlighting the robustness of the security ties between the Philippines and the US.
Marles is also slated to observe Exercise Alon 25, the Philippines’ largest overseas military drill. The two-week operation features joint amphibious and live-fire maritime exercises with forces from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.
The developments come amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where strategic alignments are becoming increasingly pivotal.
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