On Sunday, six warships and four aircraft from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States joined forces for a collective patrol in the South China Sea
On Sunday, six warships and four aircraft from
Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States joined forces for a
collective patrol in the South China Sea, in direct response to recent
instances of Chinese interference with Philippine Navy resupply operations in
the region.
Dubbed the Australia – Japan – Philippines –
United States Maritime Cooperative Activity, these patrols commenced last
November in reaction to escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing in the
South China Sea, particularly surrounding Scarborough Shoal and resupply
missions to BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Second Thomas Shoal.
The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia have
engaged in aggressive acts including blasting water cannons, obstructing
maneuvers, deploying acoustic devices, and ramming vessels, heightening
tensions with Philippine vessels.
Last month, Philippine Navy sailors were injured
by Chinese water cannons during attempts to block resupply missions to Sierra
Madre on two occasions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos vowed a
"response and countermeasure package" against the "illegal,
coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by Chinese entities.
While not explicitly part of the response
package, Manila proposed joint patrols with allies to exhibit support and deter
further Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
Sunday's joint patrol not only represents the
first multinational patrol but also the inaugural participation of Japanese
vessels and aircraft. Tokyo and Manila have strengthened defense ties, notably
through trilateral exchanges with the U.S. and provision of naval radars via
Japan's military aid program. The Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. are expected
to enhance security cooperation during a trilateral summit in Washington.
The joint patrol comprised the largest number of
assets to date, including Littoral Combat Ship USS Mobile (LCS-26), HMAS
Warramunga (FFH-152), JS Akebono (DD-108), BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP
Antonio Luna (FF-151), and BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177), alongside shipborne
helicopters and two P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Australia and the U.S.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col.
Xerxes Trinidad reported that there were no occurrences during the joint
patrol. At the same time, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense declared its
own combined naval and aerial patrol in the South China Sea, affirming
authority over military operations in the area.
In a joint statement, defense officials from the
four nations underscored their commitment to upholding international law,
ensuring freedom of navigation, and emphasizing the enduring partnership among
the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan in maintaining peace and
stability in the region.