South China Sea: Australia, Philippines talk joint patrols in disputed waters

The Philippines and Australia have discussed the possibility of conducting joint patrols around the South China Sea. The discussions with Australia follow similar talks between Manila and the United States in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed waters.

Australian defense minister Richard Marles met with Philippine defense secretary Carlito Galvez in Manila on Wednesday. Marles said during the news conference that the meeting is something they plan to do yearly to deepen security ties.

“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,” said Marles during the news conference. “As countries which 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.”

The possible joint patrols of Australia and the Philippines in the South China Sea follow similar talks between Manila and Washington with joint coast guard patrols.

China claims the majority of the South China Sea, angering the surrounding countries that have overlapping claims to the waterway. A 2016 tribunal ruled in favor of Manila, saying China’s claims have no basis in international law. Beijing continues to exert its claims.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard aircraft flew over the South China Sea as part of efforts to boost its presence over the waters and protect what it says is Philippine maritime territory. The PCG said in a statement that it saw a Chinese coast guard vessel with dozens of what appear to be boats manned by Chinese militia around the Second Thomas and Sabina Shoals, all within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The PCG said they ordered the possible militia to leave.

Meanwhile, the negotiations for a code of conduct for the South China Sea will be intensified this year, according to Indonesian and Chinese officials. Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi met with Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang in Jakarta ahead of upcoming negotiations in March.

“Indonesia and ASEAN would like to produce an effective, substantive, and actionable (code of conduct),” said Retno, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.