The Philippines and Australia signed a defense cooperation arrangement in Manila on Sunday, November 15, 2026, to make joint military activities easier and speed Australian assistance during emergencies, strengthening security ties as tensions continue in the South China Sea.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown signed the pact at Manila South Harbor. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the ceremony during the 49th ASEAN Summit. The arrangement updates a 1995 written defense cooperation agreement.
It gives the countries an updated structure for their military relationship. Teodoro said the pact would make processes under the existing agreement for visiting forces simpler. That would reduce the permits and coordination steps needed for cooperation and disaster response.
The pact is also expected to support joint activities by land, air and naval forces. It is also expected to support cooperation on military equipment. Officials say faster processes could help Australian forces respond more quickly when the Philippines faces emergencies.
The agreement builds on a partnership that became a strategic partnership in 2023. It comes amid broader regional security concerns, including disputes in the South China Sea.