Australia is set to include infrastructure projects at five military bases in the Philippines as part of its defense spending this year. These bases are located on Luzon island, near the South China Sea and Taiwan, areas considered significant regional flashpoints.
Australia and the Philippines are expected to sign a new pact aimed at increasing collaboration between their defense forces. Experts suggest these agreements indicate the Philippines' growing importance as an ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Context
Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, stated that both nations seek to strengthen regional deterrence amidst increased Chinese activities in the South China Sea and shifts in US foreign policy. Dr. Graham noted that Australia has become Manila's "closest security relationship" after the United States, with a favorable political environment under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
President Marcos Jr. has expressed a desire for multiple security partnerships beyond reliance on the United States. Dr. Graham highlighted a broad alignment in foreign policy between Australia and the Philippines, suggesting Australia is acting while the political climate in the Philippines is conducive and the strategic situation in the region is worsening.
Australia's efforts align with its broader strategy to bolster regional security. This includes recent defense treaties with Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The Philippines, located on the "first island chain" critical for containing China, is seen as a front-line country in potential future regional conflicts. Dr. Graham emphasized that building the defense capacity of partner nations like the Philippines serves as Australia's first line of defense, reducing the need for direct Australian involvement.
Investment Details
In August, Defence Minister Richard Marles committed Australia to the "construction, use, upgrade, and maintenance" of eight defense infrastructure sites at five locations in the Philippines. This commitment followed Australia's significant participation in Exercise Alon, a multilateral military exercise.
A joint statement from Mr. Marles and his Filipino counterpart underscored a commitment to "deepening defense cooperation" amid an "unprecedented military build-up taking place in the Indo-Pacific." A Defence spokesperson confirmed opportunities to develop military facilities at five Luzon locations. These projects, commencing in 2026, will focus on areas such as logistics, training, and fire safety, consistent with Philippine sovereignty. The cost of these projects is currently being finalized.
Defence experts suggest Australia's investments could be coordinated with sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines. Under EDCA, the US rotates forces and builds storage facilities for joint training and disaster response, with the Philippines retaining control. Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, noted that key investments would likely enhance the Philippines' ability to secure airways and ports, enabling effective operations and site security. Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, a retired Philippine Navy vice commander, suggested potential focus areas could include Fort Magsaysay for army exercises, Subic Bay for the navy, and Clark or Basa Air Base for the air force.
Regional Concerns and Alliances
Allied countries in the Indo-Pacific are reportedly strengthening defense partnerships due to concerns about the reliability of US security guarantees. Even the Philippines has reportedly grown cautious regarding its security partner, the United States. These concerns have been amplified by instances such as former US President Donald Trump downplaying Chinese military drills around Taiwan in December.
Ms. Kavanagh indicated that a potential second Trump administration might approach the region differently, aiming for a "balanced relationship" with China involving "competitive coexistence" rather than conflict.
President Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the possibility of the Philippines being drawn into a conflict over Taiwan and is actively strengthening other security partnerships. Ms. Kavanagh stated that allies questioning US credibility could lead them to make independent decisions about their own security. Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong emphasized the need for the Philippines to diversify its allies beyond a purely US-Philippine alliance, citing Japan and Australia as crucial partners given converging geopolitical circumstances and shared future challenges.