The modernized accord updates a decades-old memorandum to bolster deterrence amid China's expanding military footprint in the Indo-Pacific. It focuses heavily on joint maritime operations, infrastructure development, and enabling Philippine personnel to familiarize themselves with Australian weapons and equipment. The two nations previously established a visiting forces agreement in 2012, which has since fostered combined patrols and land exercises. Philippine and Australian defense leaders framed the deal as a vital countermeasure to regional pressure created by Beijing's vast territorial claims.
Key points
The agreement enhances practical deterrence across contested South China Sea areas where…: The agreement enhances practical deterrence across contested South China Sea areas where Manila holds jurisdiction.
Bilateral cooperation builds upon an existing visiting forces framework that was first es…: Bilateral cooperation builds upon an existing visiting forces framework that was first established in 2012.
The enhanced pact counters regional pressure generated by Beijing's disputed territorial…: The enhanced pact counters regional pressure generated by Beijing's disputed territorial claims across Southeast Asian waterways.
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MANILA: Australia and the Philippines signed a new defence pact on Sunday (Nov 15) aimed at fast-tracking military cooperation and "bolstering deterrence" in a region marked by China's growing military presence.
The agreement, which updates a decades-old memorandum, was signed on the sidelines of a leaders' meeting in Manila, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in attendance.
Manila and Canberra have steadily increased defence cooperation in recent years, including joint maritime patrols in the strategically vital South China Sea and land-based military exercises.
US ally the Philippines has been engaged in years of confrontations with China over disputed areas of the South China Sea.
Beijing claims nearly the entirety of the crucial waterway despite an international ruling that its position has no legal basis.
"The agreement makes us faster, speedier. It streamlines the coordination process," Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told reporters after Sunday's ceremony.
"It will bolster our credible deterrent posture in areas where we have jurisdiction," he said, referring to contested areas of the South China Sea.
Teodoro said the updated pact would allow Philippine forces to better…
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