Metro Manila, Philippines – Australia welcomed the Philippines’ move to expand its defense partnerships with other countries, saying like-minded allies must work together to protect a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
In an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles said Canberra supports Manila’s agreements with the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and France.
“We really welcome the expanding relationships that the Philippines is having with other countries,” Marles said. “What they all have in common is wanting to live in a world governed by rules, where disputes are resolved by international law and negotiation,” he added. Marles and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro signed a letter of intent to enhance defense cooperation last week, paving the way for a new defense pact by 2026 that will update a 1995 memorandum of understanding. The agreement is expected to include annual ministerial talks, expanded joint exercises and coordinated defense infrastructure projects.Marles said Australia is showcasing its largest military presence outside its borders this year through Exercise Alon in the Philippines, which involves 3,500 troops, including 1,600 Australians.“This is an example of the increased activity and complexity we want to build together,” he said.His visit came days after Philippine officials reported collisions and aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Marles urged for safe and professional interactions at sea and underscored the importance of collective action.“It’s really important that countries which want to see a rules-based order work together and show a unified front,” he said. “What we’ve seen in recent times has not met that standard.”The Philippines and Australia elevated ties to a strategic partnership in 2023. Marles said he expects further growth not only in defense, but also in trade, investment and people-to-people ties, noting the large Filipino diaspora in Australia.
