PH, Australia seek deeper maritime security ties

During the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Oct. 28, the Philippines and Australia discussed expanding cooperation in maritime domain awareness, military training, intelligence-sharing, and defense infrastructure development, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday.

The discussions took place between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, who exchanged views on regional security concerns, including China's expansionist ambitions and coercive actions, while identifying opportunities to further strengthen defense ties between Manila and Canberra.

The two officials also reviewed progress on the proposed Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA), which is expected to provide an updated framework for bilateral defense relations. The DCA is expected to be signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during next month's ASEAN Summit.

Teodoro and Marles likewise discussed expanding joint military training and exercises, including the possible participation of other countries covered by the Philippines' Status of Visiting Forces Agreements.

They also considered broadening Exercise Alon by increasing its scale and complexity in future iterations, reflecting the two countries' commitment to strengthening maritime security and defense cooperation amid evolving regional security challenges.