Philippines, Australia ink updated defense cooperation deal
The Philippines and Australia have signed an updated Defense Cooperation Arrangement to modernize their 30-year-old military partnership. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties amid shared regional security concerns in the South China Sea.
Why it matters
This deal signals a deepening strategic alliance between Manila and Canberra, reflecting broader geopolitical efforts to counter regional territorial claims.
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UPDATED PACT. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown at a signing ceremony for the Philippines-Australia Defense Cooperation Arrangement in Manila, November 15, 2026.
MANILA, Philippines – Officials from the Philippines and Australia on Sunday, November 15, signed the Philippines-Australia Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA), an update to a 30-year-old agreement.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown signed the agreement at the Manila South Harbor in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese .
Albanese is in Manila for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits .
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