PH, Australia in talks for joint maritime activities in South China Sea — Manalo

The Philippines and Australia are discussing future joint maritime activities, which may include patrols, in the South China Sea, where China’s increasingly aggressive actions have raised serious concern, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Monday.

Manalo, who spoke before the Australian Institute of International Affairs at the University of Adelaide, said Manila and Canberra, which recently signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement, are looking at "expanding maritime cooperation" in the busy resource-rich waterway.

Activities would include "policy planning, practical engagement and capacity-building activities including through combined maritime activities in the South China Sea," Manalo said.

"Our reinforced commitment as maritime democracies is to uphold an UNCLOS-based maritime regime and ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight," Manalo said.

UNCLOS stands for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which extends the territorial jurisdiction of maritime states up to 200 nautical miles from its coasts. It is signed by at least 162 nations including Philippines and China.

Only two countries - Australia and Manila's long-time treaty ally, the United States - have forged a defense accord with the Philippines for joint military exercises in the country. A similar agreement is also being discussed with Japan.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from engaging in local combat and establishing permanent military bases in the country.

"The Philippines is prepared to play its part in such a new vigorous period in our defense and security partnership with Australia, not to confront nor provoke, but to honor our commitment to our people for the protection of our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional stability," said Manalo, who will be meeting his counterpart Penny Wong on Tuesday.

Manalo added that both sides have agreed to hold an annual Defense Ministers’ Meeting beginning 2024.

Manalo said they would also tackle cooperation in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security, law enforcement, as well as in science and innovation, environmental protection and climate change.

"We will also agree on a plan of action to guide us as we advance our bilateral relationship from strength to strength," Manalo said.

Last week, China tried to block a routine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, called Ayungin Shoal by the Philippines, where the World War II-era vessel, BRP Sierra Madre, has been grounded since 1999.

China also prevented Filipinos from fishing at Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc - a U-shaped rocky outcrop rich in marine resources seized by Beijing from Manila in 2012 following a two-month standoff that triggered an international arbitration complaint by the Philippines a decade ago.

Beijing claims Chinese sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea - an assertion rejected by Manila, saying it does not have basis under international law nor recognized by the international community.

Manalo thanked Australia for its "unequivocal support" for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea and its assistance in upgrading the capacities of the Philippine Coast Guard.

"Our friendship, forged in the crucible of war, has evolved to assume a mantle of stewardship of global peace and stability, with our defense of democracy, sovereignty, and the rule of law," he said.

"Our Strategic Partnership is but a new chapter in the ongoing story of our ties as builders and keepers of peace and prosperity of our peoples and of the region." — RSJ, GMA Integrated News