The Philippine defense chief condemned China's deployment of a swarm of armed coast guard forces, backed by a helicopter and a drone, closer to the Philippines' military outpost in a fiercely disputed atoll in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Australia plan to sign a new pact to develop the Southeast Asian nation's military infrastructure, their defense chiefs said, as they seek to counter China's "unilateral activities" in the region.

The Philippine defense chief condemned China’s deployment of a swarm of armed coast guard forces, backed by a helicopter and a drone, closer to the Philippines’ military outpost in a fiercely disputed atoll in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Australia on Friday signed a statement of intent to pursue a Defense Cooperation Agreement that aims to further boost security ties. The agreement is expected to be completed and signed by next year,

The Philippine and Australian governments have reaffirmed their defense cooperation during the Philippines–Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting on August 22, 2025 held in Manila.

The Philippines and Australia are set to formalize a new defense cooperation agreement as both nations move to strengthen their security ties, officials