25-11-2023 (MANILA) In a strategic move aimed at countering China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Australia have initiated their first joint sea and air patrols. The three-day exercises, disclosed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on social media, closely follow similar manoeuvres conducted by the Philippines and the United States.
The joint patrols underline the commitment of both nations to upholding a rules-based order in the contested waters, where China claims almost the entire South China Sea, challenging the territorial rights of neighbouring nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims had no legal basis.
Rising concerns over China’s “aggressive activities” in the South China Sea have prompted the Philippines to strengthen its efforts in collaboration with like-minded nations. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, expressing a shared commitment to a peaceful and secure region, stated in a joint release posted by Marcos, “Australia and the Philippines are firmly committed to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected.”
The joint patrols will take place in the West Philippine Sea, within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. The Philippine military disclosed its participation with two navy vessels and five surveillance aircraft, while Australia will contribute the frigate Toowoomba and P8-A maritime surveillance aircraft to the operations.
According to Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for the Philippine Department of National Defense, this inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity symbolises the deepening strategic and defense partnership between the two nations. Marcos, commenting on the development on the platform formerly known as Twitter, emphasised the practical manifestation of the growing alliance.
This joint initiative closely follows the Philippines’ three-day joint sea and air patrols with the United States, starting near Taiwan and concluding in the West Philippine Sea. China has accused the Philippines of involving “foreign forces” in the South China Sea, asserting that it stirs up trouble. Manila, however, maintains that these maritime activities fall within its rights.
