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Philippines and Australia sign pact amid China’s rising clout, Albanese hails ‘great friends’
- Ferdinand Marcos Jnr thanks Anthony Albanese for his ‘strong support’ of the Philippines’ maritime claims, in a comment seen as referring to China
- The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia will bolster their security and economic alliance
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The Philippines and Australia shored up their security and economic alliance on Friday with the signing of a strategic partnership, as they seek to counter China’s growing regional influence.
The agreement was finalised following a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Manila.
Albanese’s visit, which marks the first bilateral talks with an Australian prime minister in Manila in 20 years, follows a series of trips by senior members of his government to the archipelago nation since Marcos took office in 2022.
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Under a strategic partnership, the countries will seek to expand cooperation in several areas, from defence and security to climate change and education.
“This elevation is an important symbol of the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to do more together,” Albanese told officials, diplomats and reporters.
China’s growing assertiveness on Taiwan and the militarisation of artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea have spurred Canberra, as well as Washington, to deepen defence cooperation with long-standing ally Manila.
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