Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) — Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu maintained that they are closely monitoring the developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) citing its crucial role in global trade since it is part of an international waterway.
Speaking to reporters, the Australian envoy reiterated their commitment to work with the Philippines in terms of maritime security.
“A lot of attention with what we are seeing in the West Philippine Sea, these things really matter to Australia because that’s an international waterway that supports global trade,” she said.
“Australia is spending more and more attention to what it is we can do wth the Philippines in terms of maritime security,” Yu added. “We’re not thinking about just in terms of vessels and access to military power. You’re also thinking about in terms of maritime environment.”
The Australian envoy said talks of trilateral patrols in the WPS between Australia, the Philippines and the United States are still ongoing.
“I know for a fact that all those discussions are underway as we speak,” Yu said. “So, our [defense departments] are working through those details very carefully.”
“It’s normal practice not to actually talk about operations that are planned in advance anyway,” she also said. “The conversation is currently underway. I think we’ve heard both our Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary [Gilbert] Teodoro are committed to this. So of course, we’ll be delivering on that commitment.”
Yu also said that talks on possible joint patrols with the United States and the Philippines are also underway.
