Australia, Philippines sign maritime accord as China rises

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signs a guest book as his wife Louise Marcos and Australian Governor-General David John Hurley look on at the Government House in Canberra on Feb 29, 2024-. AFP

CANBERRA: Australia and the Philippines have signed an agreement to boost collaboration on maritime security, including "promoting respect for international law,” in the latest sign of their deepening defence ties at a time of a growing Chinese military presence in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called on Australia to help protect freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, saying in a speech to parliament on Thursday (Feb 29) that the safety of the vital shipping lane is "crucial to preservation of regional peace.”