Outlines.
Authorities in the Philippines and Australia are strengthening defense ties.
Military alliances do not necessarily begin with loud political statements. Sometimes practical agreements that allow for faster exercises, information exchange and joint action are much more important.
In Manila, the representatives of the Philippines and Australia signed an updated security cooperation agreement. The document replaces a ten-year-old memorandum and removes bureaucratic barriers to joint military activity.
The new arrangement simplifies coordination within the framework of the existing status of foreign forces agreement and opens the way for closer cooperation between sea, air and land forces. In Manila this is directly related to the strengthening of positions, including in the South China Sea.
The parties will expand joint activities at sea, exchange intelligence data and develop military infrastructure. The Australian government will also provide additional funds for maritime surveillance, including the provision of UAVs, special equipment and training.
Philippine-Australian cooperation is gradually expanding. The countries conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea and land exercises, and participate in the Defense Squad together with the United States and Japan. Canberra has consistently supported the Philippine position on maritime disputes with China.
The agreement strengthens the network of partnerships through which the Philippine authorities try to compensate for the lack of their forces to restrain China. Australia sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its presence as Chinese and regional representatives continue to unsuccessfully agree on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.
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