China's South China Sea influence in focus as Philippines, Australia sign defence agreement

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the Australia–Philippines Defence Cooperation Arrangement, which seeks to expand defence ties between the two countries.

Building on the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, the new arrangement provides an updated framework for cooperation in key areas, including enhanced maritime awareness and activities, information-sharing, strategic dialogue, planning, training, interoperability and defence infrastructure development, according to a statement issued by the Australian government.

The Australian government also announced an investment commitment to its Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships initiative, which supports maritime cooperation with regional partners through practical activities aimed at addressing shared security challenges.

The initiative will strengthen maritime domain awareness and cyber resilience by providing regional partners with aerial and surface drones, secure communications support and operator training.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "Australia is committed to working closely with ASEAN to help shape a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous."

"Our new Defence Cooperation Arrangement will strengthen defence and maritime security ties, while increased investment in Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships addresses shared maritime challenges," he added.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia's interests lay in a region where sovereignty was respected, international law upheld and countries were free to make their own choices.

"Together with the Philippines and our regional partners, we are strengthening maritime resilience and security that helps underpin a peaceful, stable and prosperous region," she said.