Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) — Joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea between Australia and the Philippines are possible, according to Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu.
I think there will be conversations about that. I’m not in a position to say a definite yes right now. But the cooperation between two military forces [is] very close already,” Yu told CNN Philippines’ News Night on Thursday.The ambassador said the defense cooperation between the two countries is “deep and has been ongoing for many years,” citing the Philippines’ participation in Australia’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program.According to Canberra’s embassy in Manila, Australian defense officials have been meeting with their local counterparts to take part in joint military drills that will increase trust among defense forces that “may have to work together in global and regional contingencies, such as peacekeeping or disaster relief.Yu also mentioned the Philippines’ involvement in the annual Indo-Pacific Endeavor, Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity aimed at strengthening partnerships, particularly in Southeast Asia.
More nations are rallying behind the Philippines amid China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea, specifically Beijing’s use of military-grade laser against Philippine troops in Ayungin Shoal.
Yu called for an end to “provocative and unsafe behaviors” in the disputed waters, as she expressed Australia’s continued support for the Philippines in its 2016 arbitral win in The Hague.The landmark ruling recognized Manila’s sovereign rights in areas within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, and junked Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
READ: China accuses PH of ‘intruding’ into its waters after laser-pointing incident
The governments of France and Germany earlier said they are ready to work with the Philippines to improve marine security in the Indo-Pacific area.
