Australia and the Philippines have activated Exercise Alon in the disputed Spratly Islands, which represents the largest joint exercise between the two nations and involves more than 3,600 troops. This exercise involves live fire exercises, amphibious landings, and air support. Exercise Alon highlights Australia’s growing role in Indo-Pacific security and represents the continuing efforts of the Philippines to stop China from expanding their illegal maritime claims. Observers and partners to the exercise included the United States, Japan, South Korea, and other partners, which suggests enhanced regional alignment.
The exercises follow the Philippines involvement in Australia’s Talisman Sabre exercise with the US last month as a clear continuation of cooperation under their 2023 strategic partnership. It is also noted that Australia sees Philippines as a key partner to help protect trade routes (two-thirds of Australia’s maritime trade is through the South China Sea) and to push back on China’s growing influence.
Incidents in the Scarborough Shoal, along with past collisions with Chinese fighter jets, have increased the urgency for collaboration, with experts cautioning that Chinese interference, cyber threats, and political shifts in the Philippines could all make matters more complex. For Australia, bolstering the partnerships with Philippines and Japan adds to a wider strategy to secure a free, open Indo-Pacific, while providing the Philippines with critical assistance to counterbalance China’s aggressiveness.
