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Philippines and Australia Sign Defence Pact Amid South China Sea Tensions

4 hours ago

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The Philippines and Australia strengthen defence cooperation through a new arrangement focused on maritime security, training and regional stability.

By News National Editorial Team

The Philippines and Australia have signed a new defence cooperation arrangement in Manila, strengthening military and security ties amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.

The agreement is designed to simplify the implementation of their existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and facilitate closer cooperation between the two countries.

Stronger military cooperation

The arrangement is expected to reduce administrative procedures involved in implementing joint defence activities.

It will support cooperation across maritime, air and land operations, alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening the country's deterrence capabilities.

Maritime security cooperation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the arrangement would strengthen maritime awareness, information sharing, strategic dialogue and defence training.

Australia also announced additional investment in maritime monitoring equipment, including drones and related capabilities.

These developments are intended to improve the ability to identify maritime and cybersecurity threats.

South China Sea remains strategically important

The agreement comes amid continuing disputes involving overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and China have experienced repeated tensions in the strategically important waters.

Australia supports the Philippines' position regarding the 2016 international arbitral ruling, while China rejects the ruling.

Regional implications

The agreement demonstrates the growing importance of security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Stronger cooperation between regional countries could influence maritime surveillance, military preparedness and disaster-response capabilities.

Sources:

 
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