Foreign Partner Cooperation
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Partnerships
Japan-Philippines partnership deepens with police equipment grant
Maria T. Reyes Japan enhanced its strategic partnership with the Philippines in late November 2024 with an equipment grant to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for countering drug and human trafficking in the Indo-Pacific. The grant “cements our shared commitment and deeper understanding about our role as peacekeepers and agents of truth and justice,” according to PNP Forensic Group Director…
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Oceania
Allies, Partners aid humanitarian efforts in earthquake-damaged Vanuatu
FORUM Staff Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United States and other nations are aiding Vanuatu after an earthquake hit the country’s capital, Port Vila, in mid-December 2024. The 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled buildings, cracked bridges, destroyed water reservoirs, knocked out communications and internet access, and shut down the main wharf. Authorities said the quake killed at least 12…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Australia announces $118 million deal to enhance policing in Solomon Islands
The Associated Press Australia will pay for more police in Solomon Islands and create a police training center in the South Pacific island nation’s capital, Honiara. The $118 million package will provide support and training for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force recruits and “reduce any need for outside support,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in mid-December 2024. “My government…
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Partnerships
Philippines ratifies landmark defense access pact with Japan
Reuters The Philippine Senate ratified a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan in mid-December 2024 that will allow the nations’ forces to deploy on each other’s territory as both countries contend with the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) increasingly assertive actions. The RAA, the first Japan has signed with another Asian nation, will ease the entry of equipment and troops…
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Oceania
Australia solidifies role as Papua New Guinea’s primary security partner
The Associated Press Australia has signed a security pact with its nearest neighbor, Papua New Guinea (PNG), strengthening Canberra’s role as the region’s preferred security partner. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape signed the agreement in mid-December 2024. Marape said his government initiated the deal, which respects both nations’ sovereignty and comes seven…
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Partnerships
Indonesia advancing role in Southeast Asia’s defense vision
Gusty Da Costa The Vientiane Joint Declaration, adopted in the Laotian capital at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in November 2024, reflects ASEAN member states’ efforts to address regional security challenges. As a founding ASEAN member and regional leader, Indonesia plays a key role in advancing the bloc’s objectives. By leveraging ASEAN platforms…
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Partnerships
Coordination center boosts Philippines-U.S. interoperability
FORUM Staff The start of construction on a bilateral Combined Coordination Center in the Philippines in mid-November 2024 signifies the strength of the long-standing Philippines-United States alliance and comes amid continued illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive tactics by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored continued U.S. support for the…
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Partnerships
U.S. providing aircraft, boats to help Vietnam counter illegal fishing, enhance defenses
Reuters The United States will provide $12.5 million to Vietnam to enhance its maritime law enforcement capabilities and combat illegal fishing, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi said. The assistance includes support for Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies, the donation of small boats and development of training facilities. Vietnam is among several Southeast Asian nations that have accused People’s Republic of…
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Oceania
Australia, Nauru boost security, economic ties with new accord
Reuters Australia and Nauru finalized an economic and security treaty in December 2024, with Canberra pledging $64 million in direct budget support over five years and $26 million to boost security in the Blue Pacific nation. The agreement effectively blocks the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from forming police ties with Nauru, giving Australia a veto over Chinese involvement in…
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Partnerships
Keris Woomera showcases enhanced Australia-Indonesia military collaboration
Tom Abke Australia and Indonesia are enhancing their defense relations by fostering operational synergy and regional security cooperation under the nations’ recent defense cooperation agreement (DCA). The DCA, which builds on the bilateral Lombok Treaty of 2006 and previous defense cooperation frameworks, facilitates enhanced interoperability, legal protections for personnel operating on each other’s territory and comprehensive military exercises. “This agreement…
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