Diplomatic history of Australia the democratic world. In a country gripped by this fear, the government's defence policy was dominated by the idea of "forward defence", in which Australia would seek to prevent the Communist "thrust into South-East Asia". The committal of troops to the Vietnam War was viewed as an attempt by the Menzies Government to strengthen the alliance with the USA following Great Britain's withdrawal "east of Suez". With his arrival in October 1966, Lyndon Baines Johnson became the first US President to visit Australia. The visit came in the light of increasing international criticism over the war in Vietnam. The majority
Australia–Philippines relations The 4th meeting was hosted by the Philippines in February 2014 On 18 November 2015, then Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was on his first visit to the Philippines. They signed the Joint Declaration on Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership. This Declaration acknowledges the increasing importance of Philippine-Australia relations, which establishes the foundation of the ties in the future. They had extensive discussions on how to further improve the bilateral relations, and enhance the cooperation and engagement on regional and international issues. Through the declaration, the Philippines and Australia reaffirmed the importance of engagement