Australia pledges P1.2-billion maritime aid, new drones to PH amid China tensions
Australia has pledged nearly P1.2 billion in maritime aid to the Philippines, including drone technology and training, to bolster regional security. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea and Australian criticism of recent Chinese missile testing.
Why it matters
This highlights the strengthening of defense ties between Australia and the Philippines as a counter-balance to China's influence in the region.
MANILA, Philippines - Australia announced nearly P1.2 billion in new maritime assistance to the Philippines on Thursday, July 23, including new drones for the Philippine Coast Guard, amid its shared concerns over China's conduct at sea.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a speech at De La Salle University in Manila, also called China's recent test of a nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile from the South China Sea, which flew over the Philippines, "provocative and destabilising."
The bulk of the package doubles Australia's bilateral maritime assistance to the Philippines through a new P770-million (A$18 million) investment over four years, on top of P427 million (A$10 million) in "cutting-edge" drone technology and operator training for the PCG.
The funding sits within a larger P6.8-billion (A$160 million), 10-year Australian program to expand maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian partners, covering maritime domain awareness, governance reform, and marine environment protection.
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