Philippines supports Australia nuclear sub pact to counter China

Philippines Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin. - AFP

MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines is backing a new defence partnership between the United States, Britain and Australia, hoping it can maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, a view that contrasts sharply with some of its neighbours.

Known as AUKUS, the alliance will see Australia get technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines as part of the agreement intended to respond to growing Chinese power.