“The agreement makes us work faster, speedier,” said Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday.
The Philippines and Australia signed the updated Defense Cooperation Arrangement at Manila South Harbor during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. Anadolu reported the signing.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese witnessed the event. Security ties reached a strategic partnership in September 2023.
The new arrangement replaces a 1995 memorandum of understanding. Yahoo News Malaysia reported that it simplifies the 2012 Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.
Teodoro described the agreement to reporters as an anti-red tape measure.
Today, Australia provided @CoastGuardPH with additional aerial and undersea drones as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting its modernisation and maritime domain awareness capabilities. Another example of #AustraliaAndThePhilippines strong maritime partnership in action! pic.twitter.com/khM19zlR1d
“Rather than 100 steps to do a single thing, it will just now take 10,” Teodoro told reporters.
The deal targets bureaucratic hurdles for joint maritime, air, and land activities. It also covers humanitarian and disaster response operations.
Albanese announced that Australia will provide new investment in maritime domain awareness. This includes drone technology, equipment, and training to detect maritime and cybersecurity threats.
Territorial disputes continue in the South China Sea. Teodoro said the pact reinforces the military posture in areas under national jurisdiction.
“All entitlements are Philippine entitlements,” Teodoro said.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on the deal. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute characterized the Philippines as vital for Canberra’s regional balancing objectives.
The institute named the country as the state under the greatest coercive pressure from China. Maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the agreement bundles existing Australian defense activities to focus on interoperability with the Philippine Navy, adding, “It will bundle up a lot of things that Australia is already doing and bring a clear focus to interoperability with the Philippine Navy.”
Earlier coverage: Philippines Rebukes Officials Over China Remarks Before ASEAN Summit
