MANILA: The Philippines and Australia plan to sign a new pact to develop the Southeast Asian nation’s military infrastructure, their defense chiefs said on Friday, as they seek to counter China’s “unilateral activities” in the region. The plan was announced as Australia and the Philippines staged joint military exercises, which included live-fire drills and involved about 3,600 personnel, in the western and northern Philippines.

Exercise Alon comes as Australia and the Philippines deepen their defence partnership in the face of repeated incidents involving China.

MANILA: Australia’s defense minister and his Philippine counterpart are meeting in Manila on Friday for talks spotlighting their concern over Beijing’s actions in the South China…

MANILA: The Philippines and Australia plan to sign a new pact to develop the Southeast Asian nation’s military infrastructure, their defense chiefs said on Friday, as they seek to…