Philippines: Australia and the Philippines have explored the possibility of joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea, days after the Southeast Asian country held similar talks with the United States to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed waterway.

Australian Defence Minister Mr. Richard Marles announced that he had discussed joint patrolling with Philippine Defence Secretary Mr. Carlito Galvez Jr.

“As countries that are committed to the global rules-based order, it is natural that we should think about ways in which we can cooperate in this respect. We did talk today about the possibility of exploring joint patrols, and we will continue that work, and we hope that comes to fruition soon,” Mr. Marles observed at a news conference at the Philippine Department of National Defense in Quezon City.

The possibility of the Philippines and Australia holding joint patrols comes after similar discussions between Manila and Washington about conducting joint coast guard patrols, including in the South China Sea.

Military ties between Australia and the Philippines started in 1922, and the two countries have an existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement that provides a comprehensive legal and operational framework for defence cooperation.

According to a Pentogon statement, Mr. Galvez and US Defense Secretary Mr. Lloyd Austin had discussed the decision to resume their countries’ combined maritime activities in the South China Sea ahead of the meeting with Mr. Marles.

The two talked about “concerning developments” in the South China Sea, including the February 6 incident in which China’s Coast Guard directed a military-grade laser at the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel lawfully operating around Second Thomas Shoal.

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