Minister Richard Marles, The Australian Defense minister had inital talks with the Philippine delegates in Manila with regards to the rising tensions in the South China Sea.

The two countries are now currently conducting Exercises, this would be their largest-ever joint military drill, Over 3,600 personnel involved and showcasing advanced military hardware like guided-missile destroyers and F/A-18 jets. These maneuvers coincide with renewed Chinese activity near Philippine outposts.

The said exercise is with key pillars of maritime security and counter-terrorism, in addition to training and education, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and Gender, Peace and Security This Training opportunities takesthe form formal courses and workshops conducted in the Philippines by ADF mobile training teams