Australia juggles its China trade needs with Philippines defence ties
Anthony Albanese 's visit to China promises to be a test of his country's ability to walk the fine line between economic self-interest and strategic resolve.
His trip, which began on Saturday, unfolds against the backdrop of
Australia 's deepening security ties with
the Philippines , with Canberra stepping up support for Manila's maritime capabilities and increasing participation in patrols and joint military exercises.
In April, Albanese's government
donated 20 state-of-the-art surveillance drones worth 34 million pesos (US$600,000) to the Philippine Coast Guard, buttressing its maritime domain awareness just days after
a near-collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels in contested waters.
The donation was part of a broader civil maritime cooperation programme, encompassing vessel remediation, postgraduate scholarships, operational training, marine protection and maritime law seminars. Australia plans to double its investment in these initiatives to A$11.5 million (US$7.5 million) from 2025 to 2029.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr display signed documents after upgrading bilateral relations in September 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Analysts say these moves reflect the pair's expanding ties over time. 'Australia and the Philippines are set to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, with both countries motivated to further enhance the strategic partnership in the years ahead,' said Julio Amador, interim president of the Philippines-based Foundation for the National Interest think tank and founder and trustee of the non-profit policy advisory firm FACTS Asia.
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