The Philippines and Australia expand maritime cooperation through capacity building, maritime dialogue, defence coordination and environmental initiatives, while reaffirming UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
The Philippines and Australia are strengthening their strategic partnership through expanded cooperation on maritime security, with both countries focusing on maritime domain awareness, capacity building, law enforcement and adherence to international maritime law. The cooperation comes as Manila and Canberra mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The two countries established a Strategic Partnership in 2023, building on decades of defence and security cooperation. The partnership covers maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and efforts to combat transnational crime. Maritime cooperation has since become an important component of their broader bilateral relationship.
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A key area of cooperation is Australia’s support for Philippine civil maritime capabilities. Through its Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support (C-MAPS) programme, Australia is providing $18 million between 2025 and 2029 for civil maritime security and marine environmental protection. The programme supports training, coordination and institutional capacity among Philippine maritime agencies.
The countries also held their 6th Maritime Dialogue in Canberra on September 2, 2026, where officials discussed international maritime law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maritime domain awareness, marine environmental protection, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and sustainable development of the blue economy. Academic and scientific experts also participated in discussions on marine resources, critical infrastructure and maritime resilience.
Australia is also expanding maritime partnerships across Southeast Asia through a $160 million, 10-year initiative from 2024 to 2034 covering training, technical assistance, academic exchanges, policy discussions and technology cooperation. For the Philippines, such programmes support efforts to strengthen capabilities across its extensive maritime domain.
Defence cooperation remains another component of the relationship. At their August 2026 Defence Ministers’ Meeting, the two countries welcomed progress toward an Australia-Philippines Defence Cooperation Arrangement, which is intended to modernise and replace their 1995 defence cooperation framework. They also highlighted regular maritime cooperative activities and greater information-sharing and interoperability.
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Both governments have reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law and UNCLOS. The partnership therefore combines defence cooperation with civilian maritime capacity building, environmental protection, education and regional engagement.