The Philippines is currently at the centre of strategic tensions in the South China Sea, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration faces daily pressure from China’s maritime forces, including physical intimidation. After decades focused on internal security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines are modernising and reorganising to address new external challenges across defence and security, and to strengthen national resilience through closer partnerships with Australia and the United States.

The Philippines resistance against a larger nation importantly demonstrates that our era of strategic competition is not limited to the great powers of the United States and China. The outcome of this struggle is not only important to the Philippines but to all nations in the Indo-Pacific that value core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) is pleased to invite you to join us in Melbourne for a special event featuring Philippines’ Secretary for National Defense, the Honourable Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. On his first official visit to Australia in this role, Secretary Teodoro will share insights on the Philippines’ priorities for defence policy, and regional security, including challenges in the South China Sea.

At the event, ASPI’s Executive Director, Justin Bassi will deliver opening remarks and formally introduce Secretary Teodoro, before Senior Analyst, Dr. Euan Graham, leads a fireside conversation with the Secretary, to be followed by Q&A.