Why Australia is picking up tab for Philippine military upgrades

Australia has emerged as an alternate defence partner to long-time US ally the Philippines amid mounting uncertainty over American commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific. Canberra’s ties with Manila hinge on its own interests that could be more closely aligned with the Southeast Asian country than even those of Washington, observers say. Australia has committed to building eight infrastructure projects this year at five military bases in Luzon. Canberra will lead the construction, use,...