Australia increases presence in South China Sea, joins Philippine patrols

September 17 () –

Australian authorities said Tuesday they are increasing their presence in the South China Sea by joining patrols by Philippine Navy ships in a move aimed at countering the threat from China and securing access to vital trade routes.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu said the country is increasing its coordinated activities with Manila in the region, something that could increase in the future. “This is what we do when we have a very close defence cooperation relationship,” Yu said, according to statements reported by the Philippine news agency PNA.

The Philippine government, for its part, has confirmed that Manila plans to hold activities to normalize the situation in the area and has stated that it is already working on a schedule to carry out joint maritime patrol efforts.

Australia, which believes there is a stake in the Asia-Pacific region, conducted its first joint patrol with the Philippines in the South China Sea in November last year.

The South China Sea is a vital global trade route, with around one-third of the world’s seaborne trade, valued at more than $3 trillion, passing through its waters each year.