Philippines and Australia sign defence pact to strengthen military cooperation amid South China Sea tensions

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 15, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Reuters

The Philippines and Australia have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at streamlining joint military activities and strengthening security ties amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian officials formalized the arrangement in Manila on Sunday, November 15, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessing the signing on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit.

The agreement is designed to simplify procedures under the two countries’ Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, reducing bureaucratic requirements for joint military activities.

Teodoro described the arrangement as an anti-red tape measure, saying procedures that previously involved numerous steps would become significantly simpler.

He said the pact would expand cooperation across maritime, air and land operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response. It is also expected to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to deter potential threats, particularly in the South China Sea.

Albanese said the agreement would improve maritime awareness and information sharing while expanding strategic dialogue, military training, interoperability and defence infrastructure development.

Australia also announced additional support for the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness capabilities, including drone technology, equipment and training to help monitor maritime and cybersecurity threats.

The agreement builds on the longstanding defence partnership between Manila and Canberra, as both countries seek to strengthen regional security cooperation.

China has repeatedly opposed joint military activities involving the Philippines and its partners, arguing that such operations could heighten tensions in the region. Beijing also rejects the 2016 international arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, which invalidated the legal basis of its expansive maritime claims.