The Philippines and Australia held their inaugural Defense Ministers’ Meeting in the latter’s capital, Canberra.
Both countries represent their defense agencies with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
This significant meeting underscored both countries’ determination to strengthen their defense cooperation as a key component of their broader Strategic Partnership.
In the face of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to a peaceful, stable, and rules-based regional order, where sovereignty is respected and nations can make independent decisions free from coercion.
Central to the discussions was the issue of the South China Sea, a region of increasing geopolitical tension. Both ministers expressed deep concern over recent dangerous actions by China against Philippine vessels in the disputed waters.
They stressed the importance of upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees freedoms of navigation and overflight. The ministers also reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which they emphasized is final and binding on all parties.
The Philippines and Australia agreed on the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, committing to work together to bolster regional maritime security.
In addition to maritime security, the ministers highlighted the broader challenges posed by growing strategic competition and military build-ups in the Indo-Pacific. They noted the lack of transparency and reassurance in this increasingly tense environment, which has heightened the need for closer defense collaboration.
To address these challenges, the two sides agreed to deepen their military cooperation, particularly through joint exercises and training.
Notably, the Philippines will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre for the first time in 2025, while Australia will continue its involvement in exercises like Balikatan and the inaugural participation in Exercise Salaknib.
Both countries also committed to holding the second iteration of Exercise Alon in 2025, aimed at enhancing the interoperability of their armed forces.
As part of their long-term defense cooperation, the ministers agreed to develop and sign a new arrangement in 2025. This agreement will guide the management and direction of various defense activities, including official dialogues, leadership development programs, and infrastructure projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program.
This framework is designed to strengthen bilateral defense ties and further integrate their military capabilities.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, both ministers recognized the importance of regional and multilateral defense efforts. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
They also welcomed increased defense collaboration with Japan and the United States, particularly in the areas of maritime security, joint training, and interoperability. These discussions align with broader efforts to build a more unified and resilient Indo-Pacific defense architecture.
