7-8-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines, Canada, United States, and Australia have embarked on their inaugural joint military exercise in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The two-day operation, which commenced on Wednesday, marks a new chapter in regional security collaboration and underscores the growing importance of multilateral partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise, involving both naval and air force units from the four nations, aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen collective capabilities in addressing shared maritime challenges. This landmark event follows closely on the heels of the first Philippines-Japan joint exercise in the same waters last week, signalling an intensification of military cooperation among like-minded nations in the area.
In a joint statement, the participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. The naval and air force units will operate within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, focusing on improving coordination and operational synergy.
“We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order,” the statement emphasised, highlighting the strategic importance of the exercise beyond mere military manoeuvres.
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime corridor facilitating approximately US$3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade, has long been a focal point of regional tensions. China’s expansive territorial claims in the area have been contested by several Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The Philippines, in particular, has experienced recurring confrontations with China in these disputed waters. Both nations have accused each other of aggressive behaviour involving their respective naval vessels and of causing environmental damage to the marine ecosystem.
It is worth noting that in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. However, Beijing has consistently rejected this decision, maintaining its stance on territorial sovereignty in the region.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment on this four-nation exercise.
This joint military endeavour represents a significant escalation in the strategic posturing of Western-aligned nations in the South China Sea. It follows a series of bilateral and trilateral exercises, including recent drills between the United States, Philippines, and Japan in June.
