Marcos

• Their mission: simulating the retaking of an island by a hostile force, presumably in the South China Sea.
• Marles then announced Australia would begin joint maritime patrols with the Philippines in the contested South China Sea very soon.
• So, with tensions running so high in the sea, why is Australia getting involved by deepening its military ties with the Philippines?
• Read more:
  Explainer: why is the South China Sea such a hotly contested region?

Marcos solidifies defence commitments from the US

• During a visit to the White House in May, Marcos and US President Joe Biden agreed to new guidelines on the countries’ 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.
• This year, the Philippines also agreed to add four more military bases the US can access under a separate defence agreement.
• This lack of trust towards China is shared by many in the Philippine government, defence establishment and legislature.

Why deeper ties with Australia matter

• At the same time it has re-pivoted towards the US, the Philippines government has also been busy enhancing its defence and diplomatic ties with Australia.
• Marles pointed out last week that much of Australia’s trade goes through the South China Sea and Australia is committed to upholding the international rules-based order in the region.
• These will cover defence and maritime security cooperation, as well as enhanced economic, trade and cultural ties.
• Given Australia has recently sought to steady its rocky relationship with China, this cooperation with the Philippines could come at a cost.

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• Prior to his appointment as President of the NDB, Mr. Marcos Troyjo pursued a successful multi-layered career in government, business, academia and the public debate on economic development.
• Mr. Troyjo was also Chairman of Brazil's Commission on External Financing and its National Investment Committee.
• According to the Articles of Agreement of the New Development Bank, the NDB Board of Governors elects a President from one of the founding member countries on a rotational basis.
• The Board of Governors of the New Development Bank also appointed Mr. Anil Kishora as Vice President of the NDB.