Please note that this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule.
Since taking office in June 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, scion of the controversial Marcos dynasty, has reversed his predecessor Duterte's foreign policy direction of spurning the West and courting China.
President Marcos has embraced a muscular foreign policy, cementing ties with traditional allies such as the USA and Japan and seeking new relations with countries such as Sweden, France and India while pushing back strongly against Chinese claims and incursions in the South China Seas.
In a first, President Marcos addressed a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament in February this year, emphasising the close cooperation between Australia and the Philippines under the upgraded Strategic Partnership, signed by Leaders last year. Leaders announced a new MoU to implement key priorities of the Partnership, including enhanced maritime cooperation, cyber and critical technology to harden our resilience against cyber-attacks, and cooperation between our national competition commissions. PM Albanese also announced a new $20 million investment to support the Philippines to reform, and improve access to, its justice system.
Where is the Philippines headed and how will Australia's strategic partnership with the Philippines continue to develop?
AIIA Victoria invites you to join Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Ms HK Yu PSM in conversation with John Richardson to explore these important questions.
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AIIA Victoria gratefully acknowledges the Walter Mangold Trust Fund for their support of our young members.