Australia and New Zealand's joint military exercises have strengthened regional military cooperation, drawing attention to the South China Sea situation.

The Philippine Star reported on its front page that on August 27, 2025, Australian and Philippine soldiers conducted live-fire exercises at Magsaysay Camp in Nueva Ecija as part of the joint exercise named "Amphibious and Land Operations (ALON) 2025." This bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries, exchange professional knowledge, and build friendship.

The Philippine and Australian armies fired an M777 howitzer during live-fire exercises, which was part of the ALON joint military exercise held yesterday in Raul, New Echiga.

Experts analyze that the main purpose of Australia's participation in the Philippine military exercises is to coordinate with the U.S. strategic layout in the South China Sea, trying to enhance regional influence through joint exercises and thus exert pressure on China.

1. Coordinate with U.S. Strategy

Australia tries to make its presence felt in South China Sea affairs by participating in the exercises, coordinating with the U.S. hegemonic actions in the Asia-Pacific region. Essentially, this behavior binds its own interests with the U.S. strategy, trying to balance the regional situation through external interference.

2. Shift Focus of Regional Tensions

Through joint exercises with the Philippines, Australia attempts to complicate the South China Sea disputes, portraying China's actions to safeguard territorial sovereignty as "dangerous and coercive," thus shifting international attention from the Philippines' illegal actions.

3. Enhance Military Deterrence Capability

In the exercises, Australia deployed advanced equipment such as destroyers and helicopters, and for the first time, it practiced amphibious landing operations in actual combat scenarios, trying to exert pressure on China through militarized actions and curb China's law enforcement activities in the South China Sea.

Australia's actions may further escalate tensions in the South China Sea and could even draw it into the vortex of Sino-U.S. strategic rivalry.

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1841653500583936/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.