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Marles Warns China’s Build-Up, Pushes Deeper Southeast Asia Defense Coordination

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles warned China’s military build-up pressures Southeast Asia and urged deeper cooperation.
Marles met the “Squad” of Australia Japan the United States and the Philippines and pledged tighter defence coordination.
Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro opened the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu on October 29, 2026.
Beijing deployed coast guard and navy vessels to patrol South China Sea areas despite a ruling rejecting its claim.

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Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles warned China’s military build-up pressures Southeast Asia and urged deeper cooperation.
Marles met the “Squad” of Australia Japan the United States and the Philippines and pledged tighter defence coordination.
Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro opened the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu on October 29, 2026.
Beijing deployed coast guard and navy vessels to patrol South China Sea areas despite a ruling rejecting its claim.