Australia and the Philippines have recently formed a strategic partnership, a monumental moment in their relations, following a significant meeting between their leaders on September 8. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his honor in facilitating the strengthening of ties between the two countries, which would contribute to maintaining a stable region. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between Australia and the Philippines, emphasizing the close cooperation and the cultural connection through the 400,000 Australians of Filipino heritage.
The announcement of the strategic partnership comes after Australia’s decision in August to enhance collaboration with the Philippines on defense and security matters. Albanese described the Philippines as a critical nation for Australia’s interests, given their strong economic relations, defense arrangements, and the presence of a robust Filipino diaspora in Australia. Moreover, this partnership aligns with the desire of both countries to elevate their diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership level, as expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in a statement made in Manila on August 25.
Marles emphasized the shared commitment of Australia and the Philippines to the global rules-based order and resolving disputes through international law. He highlighted the importance of upholding and enhancing the rules-based order for the maintenance of peace worldwide. Marles saw the deepening defense ties with the Philippines as a means to reinforce the rules-based order and contribute to peace.
The deepening military cooperation between Australia and the Philippines comes at a time when tensions with Beijing are escalating over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. In August, the Filipino government condemned the “excessive and offensive” actions of a Chinese coast guard ship that used a water cannon to block the delivery of supplies to Philippine-occupied territory in the Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing asserts its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, which are also claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The confrontation between China and the Philippines has seen aggressive acts, such as the use of military-grade lasers, by the Chinese coast guard to deter Filipino naval ships.
The Philippines’ Armed Forces condemned the actions of the Chinese ship, stating that they violated international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Filipino military called on the Chinese coast guard and Beijing’s Central Military Commission to act responsibly to prevent miscalculations and accidents that could endanger lives.