Australia signs defence pact with Philippines on Sunday
Australia will sign a defence agreement with the Philippines on Sunday. It covers maritime awareness, information-sharing and fleet coordination.
Australia will sign a defence pact with the Philippines this Sunday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting Manila after the COP31 climate summit in Turkey.
The agreement improves maritime awareness and information-sharing between Australian and Philippine forces. Australia has joined the Philippines in 12 joint patrols over the last three years.
These patrols enforce maritime interests in the disputed South China Sea. Four patrols happened in the past year alone.
The most recent was in August, when Australia deployed surveillance aircraft and a naval vessel. Australia runs surveillance flights from Philippine bases.
Officials say this is key for regional security. The Philippines elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in 2022.
It has been upgrading its military and maritime capability since. The strategic partnership with Australia was made in 2023.
- Sunday
- Pact signing date
- 12
- Joint patrols last three years
- 4
- Patrols in past year
- August
- Most recent patrol
Why it mattersThe pact ensures Australia's access to Philippine bases for surveillance. This strengthens regional stability. It works against Chinese military expansion in disputed waters.
AustraliaAustralia gains secure bases for monitoring South China Sea activities and strengthens its strategic position in a region where Beijing's military presence is growing and has repeatedly clashed with Australian aircraft.
