6-4-2024 (MANILA) In a collective effort to counter China’s escalating assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan have announced plans to hold joint naval and air operations. The defense chiefs of the four nations issued a statement confirming their commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The joint statement read, “Demonstrating our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, our combined defense/armed forces will conduct a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024.”
The scheduled exercise will take place in the contested South China Sea, an area where China claims nearly full sovereignty. The timing of the operation is notable, as it precedes the first trilateral summit between US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.
The arrival of the Australian warship HMAS Warramunga in the Philippine island province of Palawan earlier this week underscores the mounting regional tensions. Palawan is strategically located facing the highly disputed waters in the South China Sea.
Over the past year, the region has witnessed a surge in tensions as China has grown more assertive in asserting its claims over the waters, which are also claimed by the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. China’s actions have prompted the United States to prioritize bolstering its alliances in the region, particularly with its treaty allies Japan and the Philippines.
The joint operations involving the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan serve as a clear message of solidarity and determination to protect the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific. By conducting cooperative activities in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, the four nations aim to enhance their maritime capabilities and demonstrate their collective resolve in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness.
As the situation in the South China Sea continues to evolve, these joint operations signify a united front against any attempts to undermine regional stability and maritime security.
