Philippines, Australia conform to ‘protection infra’ talks 

The 2 protection chiefs meet as tensions rise, but once more, in two areas within the West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia on Friday, August 22, agreed to start out talks for a “protection cooperation settlement” that might assist “enhance the tempo” of joint workouts and operations between the 2 militaries. 

The assertion of intent was signed following Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Protection Chief Richard Marles’ assembly with Philippine Protection Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. 

The 2 protection chiefs are anticipated to go to Palawan this weekend to witness one of many drills beneath Train ALON, a biannual bilateral train between the 2 international locations. 

Whereas neither minister went into element about their infrastructure priorities, Marles mentioned the assertion paves the best way for: 

• annual protection minister conferences;
• a “take a look at how we will do extra when it comes to coordinating our train and operation tempo between our two international locations”; and
• how Australia may “do extra when it comes to pursuing infrastructure growth right here within the Philippines for the advantage of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Marles added that Canberra at the moment has “eight totally different infrastructure initiatives throughout 5 totally different places right here within the Philippines.”

Teodoro mentioned the eventual consequence of the talks wouldn’t be an settlement much like the Enhanced Protection Cooperation Settlement with america, which permits People to preposition property in choose Philippine navy bases. 

“We can not let you know [about the infrastructure plans…. Only China will benefit if we tell you,” quipped Teodoro. 

The Philippiens and Australia are close defense and security partners, with a Status of the Visiting Forces Agreement and a Stretegic Partnership between the two Indo-Pacific nations. 

Closer ties between the two nations also come as China refuses to change its behavior in the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety. 

China’s claims has meant, for Southeast Asian nations like the Philippines, harassment in the form of ramming, water cannon use, and dangerous manuevers in the West Philippine Sea, which includes parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. 

Two weeks before Marles arrived in Manila, two Chinese ships collided close to Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as they tried to chase down a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. 

Days before the meeting, the Armed Forces of the Philppines also reported an “increase” in Chinese activities in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, another feature in the West Philippine Sea. 

Without naming Beijing, Marles said Manila and Canberra “both acknowledge and are experiencing the pressure that the rules-based order is being placed under here in the Indo-Pacific,” in addressing a question about the increase of Chinese activities in Ayungin Shoal. 

“The activities of China in any area, whether in the Sierra Madre or any area under their nebulous claims, are a matter not only of concern but of condemnation because these are in gross violation of international law,” said Teodoro. – Rappler.com