25-8-2023 (MANILA) Australia’s Defense Minister, Richard Marles, emphasized Australia’s security interest in the South China Sea and announced plans for closer cooperation with the Philippines on joint patrols. Marles made these statements while observing military exercises involving over 2,000 Australian and Philippine defense personnel. The drills focused on amphibious landing and air assault maneuvers, with the Australian navy vessels HMAS Canberra and HMAS ANZAC engaging in bilateral exercises alongside the Philippine Navy.
The joint exercises mark a significant milestone in the defense relationship between Australia and the Philippines and come at a time of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. Marles, in an interview with ABC radio, highlighted the importance of upholding international rules and expressed Australia’s desire to increase patrols alongside the Philippine Navy. Australia heavily relies on the South China Sea for trade, making the region’s stability a shared strategic interest with the Philippines.
Marles further emphasized the need to maintain a rules-based order in Southeast Asia, given the potential threats to Australia’s national security. He stated, “A whole lot of damage can be done to Australia before any potential adversary sets foot on our shores, and maintaining the rules-based order in Southeast Asia, maintaining the collective security of Southeast Asia, is fundamental to maintaining the national security of our country.”
In addition to the joint exercises with the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines conducted a joint patrol recently. However, a planned participation of a U.S. Navy vessel did not materialize.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to make the first visit by an Australian leader to the Philippines in 20 years next month. The visit aims to foster discussions on defense cooperation between the two nations.
It is worth noting that in 2016, an international arbitration award invalidated China’s expansive claim over almost the entire South China Sea. Other countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan, also assert their respective claims in specific areas of the region.
