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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH backs Australia's 'Indo-Pacific-focused' defense strategy

PH backs Australia's 'Indo-Pacific-focused' defense strategy

Published Apr 17, 2026 09:08 am
Philippine Navy personnel engage with Australian counterparts during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) exercise, fostering camaraderie and enhancing interoperability among participating forces, as part of the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA). (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Philippine Navy personnel engage with Australian counterparts during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) exercise, fostering camaraderie and enhancing interoperability among participating forces, as part of the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA). (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Department of National Defense (DND) has thrown its support behind Australia’s new defense strategy, signaling deeper security ties as tensions persist across the Indo-Pacific region.
In a statement on Thursday, April 16, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the release of Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy, which was announced by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
Teodoro said the Philippines would work closely with Canberra under the new framework.
“The Department of National Defense welcomes the announcement of the Australian National Defence Strategy (NDS) 2026 by the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles,” Teodoro said.
Australia’s updated strategy places strong emphasis on the Indo-Pacific which highlighted the need for deterrence and closer partnerships amid growing geopolitical competition in the region, especially amid China’s growing influence.
Manila has been boosting defense partnerships with allies as it faces ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Australia has likewise stepped up its regional engagement, framing its 2026 strategy around an Indo-Pacific focus and stronger coordination with partners.
“We will fully engage our Australian counterparts in contributing to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific under an overarching framework of global rules and norms and UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea], in particular,” Teodoro said.
Manila and Canberra will mark their 80 years of diplomatic relations, and defense ties between the two countries have expanded in recent years through joint exercises and security cooperation agreements.
“We join Australia and other like-minded partners in guaranteeing regional stability through collective deterrence,” Teodoro said.
He added that the longstanding partnership between the two countries would benefit from the new defense strategy.
“Our partnership of 80 years will certainly be strengthened through this strategy,” he said.
“I look forward to discussing specific areas of cooperation under the NDS 2026 with Deputy Prime Minister Marles in the coming days,” he added.

Related Tags

DND Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Australia Indo-Pacific
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