China Looms as Australian and Philippines Defense Ministers Meet

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles met Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Manila on Friday. The two signed a pledge to expand defense cooperation and improve military readiness.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin welcomes Australian Deputy PM and Defense Minister Richard Marles at Malacañang Palace on Friday (Aug. 22, 2025), ahead of the 2nd Philippines–Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting. (Photo: Radio Television Malacañang)

China’s growing presence in the South China Sea is drawing U.S. allies closer. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles met Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Manila on Friday. The two signed a pledge to expand defense cooperation and improve military readiness.

“This is about strengthening deterrence and demonstrating our commitment to regional stability,” Marles said before the exercises.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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