Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles stated on Thursday that China’s increasing military capabilities have generated a “condition of pressure” in Southeast Asia. This comment comes amid ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines regarding Beijing’s participation in an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense summit in Cebu.
Speaking at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Marles referred to China’s military expansion as the largest conventional buildup since World War II, highlighting a lack of clarity from China regarding its motivations. “There’s not an explanation from China as to why it’s doing this, and all of that is creating the condition of pressure,” he said.
Marles noted that China’s assertiveness poses significant challenges for the Australian government and emphasized the need for like-minded nations to reinforce their security cooperation. “We need to be ensuring that how we understand the rules of the road continue to apply,” he added, indicating that these rules provide agency for middle powers like Australia.
In recent years, Australia criticized China for its military actions, including a July test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the South Pacific, which officials described as “provocative and destabilizing.” Concurrently, confrontations in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines have escalated, with multiple aggressive encounters reported.
During the two-day ADMM meeting, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed U.S. commitment to support allies in the region. He outlined plans for improving maritime awareness and enhancing naval collaboration among partner nations.
Tensions flared further when China’s Ministry of Defense accused Philippine politicians of hindering its attendance at the ADMM-Plus, violating basic diplomatic protocols. Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang claimed that obstacles were imposed on China’s participation, resulting in China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun not attending the meeting. Instead, Beijing was represented by a lower-ranking defense attaché, marking the first time such a low-level official represented China at this event since its inception in 2010.
Zhang criticized the Philippines for allegedly “holding ASEAN hostage” and claimed that China’s representation underscored its commitment to ASEAN centrality and regional security cooperation. The Philippines’ Defense Secretary Teodoro Gilberto did not engage with the allegations but acknowledged that China had an opportunity to present its position, which he suggested was consistent with previous statements.
The deteriorating relationship between China and the Philippines has been exacerbated by ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. A July incident left a Philippine marine injured after a confrontation with the Chinese coast guard at the contested Second Thomas Shoal.
On the same day, Marles met with his counterparts from the “Quad” group—comprising Australia, Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines—to enhance defense policy coordination. This gathering marked the sixth meeting of the defense leaders in four years. “The challenges that are being faced in this part of the world and the pressures that are being experienced are well understood by all four countries,” Marles said. He emphasized the importance of unity among allies to bolster collective security in the region.
Additionally, Marles held bilateral discussions with Hegseth to explore strategies for maintaining a favorable balance of power in the Pacific.
