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Philippines’ Australia, France, Japan ties boost its middle-power status amid South China Sea rivalry

  • The Philippines has played its cards right by signalling to the world that it’s ‘willing to work with anyone’ for strategic advantage, analysts say
  • And it’s not just Manila’s military modernisation efforts that are set to benefit, with enhanced economic resilience another envisioned result

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US and Filipino Marines get into position during an air assault exercise as part of this year’s Balikatan military drills, which also featured contingents from Australia and France.  Photo: Armed Force of the Philippines/Handout via EPA-EFE
As the Philippines boosts its security ties with France, Japan, and Australia, analysts say such partnerships are key to bolstering the Southeast Asian nation’s defences and its reputation as a middle power amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
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French and Australian forces are taking part in this year’s Balikatan military exercises alongside US and Philippine troops. The war games, which have extended beyond Manila’s territorial waters for the first time into maritime zones contested with China, are considered the most expansive yet and include 14 other nations as observers. The drills will continue until Friday.
The Philippines has existing visiting-forces agreements with the United States and Australia and is exploring the possibility of a similar arrangement with France. Such agreements allow troops from either country to train in the other’s territory.
Manila is also negotiating a reciprocal-access agreement with Japan and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada on enhanced defence cooperation.

Analysts say it’s crucial for the Philippines to strengthen security cooperation with like-minded countries, not only for bolstering its claims in the South China Sea but also for its ongoing military modernisation efforts amid a shift in focus of its defence strategy from internal to external.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) hugs French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of an Apec summit in 2022. Manila is exploring the possibility of a visiting-forces agreement with France. Photo: AFP
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) hugs French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of an Apec summit in 2022. Manila is exploring the possibility of a visiting-forces agreement with France. Photo: AFP

Earlier this year, the Philippine armed forces adopted a new strategy called the “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defence Concept” that defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr said was designed “to protect and secure our entire territory and exclusive economic zone” and ensure “all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the bounties of the natural resources that are rightfully ours”.

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