Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 21) — The United States is ready to conduct and implement the proposed joint patrols with the Philippines and other like-minded nations such as Australia and Japan in the South China Sea, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said Monday.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Romualdez gave an update on the status of the proposed joint patrols between the Philippines, US, Japan, and Australia.Romualdez said Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is now studying the proposal for the joint patrols in order for him to make the necessary recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The United States is prepared to implement it once we agree on terms of reference of the agreement. This is a multilateral effort with Japan, Australia and even with other countries who want to join in,” the envoy said.
“It is now in the hands of our defense department and I think Secretary Teodoro is studying how it will go and will make a recommendation to the President on how this can be implemented,” added Romualdez.The Philippine envoy explained that he is not privy to the status of the terms of reference of the proposed joint patrols. Romualdez believes that the multilateral patrols in the South China Sea will maintain peace and stability in the region.
“Yes, definitely kasi mas mabuti na maraming sumama, it’s freedom of navigation nga eh [The more countries, the better, this is freedom of navigation we are talking about] we want the South China Sea to be free from any kind of any country that dominates it that will stop the free flow of trade,” Romualdez explained.
Envoy: U.S., Japan, South Korea statement support shows PH is in the right
Ambassador Romualdez also welcomed the statement of support issued by the US, Japan, and South Korea during the historic trilateral summit of its three leaders at Camp David over the weekend.“Together we will stand up with international law, freedom of navigation and a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea,” US President Joe Biden said during his joint press briefing with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.“We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific. In particular, we steadfastly oppose the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and coercive activities,” the three leaders said in their joint statement.The three countries also affirm their support to the 2016 Arbitral Award that rejected China’s sweeping claims of ownership of the South China Sea.
