Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Australia have announced a new defense agreement. The defense ministers of both countries jointly stated in Manila today (August 22) that the agreement is expected to be signed next year, with the aim of strengthening military cooperation to counter China’s unilateral actions in the region.
Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro expressed that this agreement will pave the way for more joint military exercises, enhance combat capabilities, and strengthen deterrence. He criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea as “worrisome and deserving of condemnation,” pointing out that these actions exacerbate a “trust deficit.” While acknowledging the Philippines’ inability to stop China’s actions, he emphasized the need to establish deterrence.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles added that the new agreement will also support the construction of Philippine defense infrastructure, with plans already set for five project sites. He stressed that the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region is under “pressure,” a sentiment shared by both sides.
According to Reuters, just before Marles’ visit, the Philippine military reported frequent sightings of Chinese vessels near Second Thomas Shoal. Coincidentally, the Philippines and Australia were conducting joint military exercises named “ALON” with the Canadian navy. The exercise, which began on August 15 and lasted for 15 days, involved approximately 3600 personnel engaging in live-fire drills, combat operations, and amphibious landing exercises. This exercise marked Australia’s largest overseas military exercise in the region in recent years.
The South China Sea, a region fraught with sovereignty disputes, has seen ongoing friction between the Philippines and China. On August 11, a Philippine patrol boat conducting resupply operations near Scarborough Shoal was surrounded and pursued by Chinese coast guard ships and warships, leading to a tense collision between two Chinese vessels, drawing widespread attention.
Regarding the sovereignty issue in the South China Sea, China has almost claimed the entire area as its own. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims lacked legal basis and supported the Philippines. Beijing refused to acknowledge the ruling, leading to frequent maritime and aerial standoffs with the Philippines in this strategic waterway.
Teodoro emphasized during the press conference that the Philippines must send a clear message to show that the international community will not tolerate China’s unilateral actions.