On Friday, Australia commenced its most extensive military exercises with the Philippines, known as ‘Alon’, meaning “wave” in Tagalog. The drills involve over 3,600 military personnel and will feature a variety of operations, including live-fire exercises, combat manoeuvres, and beach assaults in a town bordering the contested South China Sea. The exercises come amidst growing concerns among allies regarding China’s aggressive actions in the region.
Highlighting Australia’s naval capabilities, the exercises will incorporate a range of advanced military equipment, such as guided-missile destroyers, F/A-18 fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, Javelin anti-tank systems, and special forces sniper gear. Importantly, military officials from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia will observe the drills, reinforcing regional partnerships.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones of the Royal Australian Navy articulated the exercises’ significance, stating they are a commitment to safeguarding state sovereignty and upholding international law. He also noted that the training would enhance collaboration among allies to address common security challenges and the ability to project power across the Indo-Pacific.
The military exercises are set to continue until August 29. Notably, Australia is the second country, after the US, to have a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, facilitating large troop deployments for joint exercises.
The Philippines has also established similar agreements with Japan, and is in discussions with other nations, including France and Canada, for defence accords. In contrast, China has condemned the multinational military drills, asserting that such actions contribute to regional militarisation and tensions, accusing the US and its allies of acting in concert against it.
Complications in the South China Sea persist, with China laying claim to most of this crucial maritime route, leading to a series of territorial disputes with nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Recently, an incident occurred where a Chinese navy vessel collided with a Chinese coast guard ship while attempting to deter a Philippine fisheries boat near Scarborough Shoal.
The Australian Embassy in Manila has expressed its concerns regarding the confrontational actions of Chinese vessels, urging for de-escalation and adherence to international laws. In response to escalating tensions, the US has dispatched two warships to the Scarborough Shoal area to uphold freedom of navigation in light of China’s assertive territorial claims.
These military exercises exemplify Australia’s strategic partnership with the Philippines amid increasing geopolitical tensions, underscoring a collective commitment to regional stability and security.