The Philippines and Australia yesterday shored up their security and economic alliance with the signing of a strategic partnership, as they seek to counter China’s growing regional influence.
The agreement was finalized following a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr 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 last year.
Photo: AFP
Under a strategic partnership, the nations are seeking to expand cooperation in several areas from defense 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 after the two leaders signed the agreement.
China’s growing assertiveness on Taiwan and the militarization of artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea have spurred Canberra, as well as Washington, to deepen defense cooperation with longstanding ally Manila.
At the start of talks, Marcos thanked Albanese for his “strong support” for the Philippines as it seeks to fend off maritime claims that are “not valid,” in a thinly veiled reference to China.
“To have friends like you and partners like you especially on that subject is very gratifying and encourages us to continue down that path,” Marcos told Albanese.
Albanese described the two nations as “great friends” and expressed the hope that his visit would help take the relationship “to an even higher level.”
A strategic partnership is the highest level of bilateral ties that Australia has had with the Philippines.
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte pivoted away from his nation’s traditional security partners toward China, but the Marcos administration has sought to reverse that stance.
Australian and Filipino troops last month held a major joint exercise near the contested waters.
The event was watched by Marcos, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
Among other agreements signed during yesterday’s talks was a memorandum of understanding for reciprocal work and holiday visas. The nations also agreed to hold an annual defense ministers’ meeting.
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