By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia on Friday condemned China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea, citing its “destabilizing and dangerous” actions against Philippine vessels as the two allies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation amid rising regional tensions.
The joint statement was issued following the 3rd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Darwin between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
The two officials expressed serious concern over recent incidents involving Chinese vessels, including water cannon attacks, ramming, and other aggressive maneuvers against Philippine ships, warning that such actions heighten the risk of miscalculation and regional instability.
They also cited the July 20 confrontation at Ayungin Shoal, where China Coast Guard personnel allegedly attacked Philippine Navy personnel near the BRP Sierra Madre, as well as China’s reported submarine-launched ballistic missile test on July 6, which passed over the Philippines before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Teodoro and Marles reaffirmed their commitment to uphold international law, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, while urging all militaries and maritime forces to operate professionally and responsibly.
Marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations, both sides pledged to deepen defense cooperation and expand collaboration through ASEAN-led security initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the government’s formal submission of the official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) to the United Nations, calling it a significant legal affirmation of the country’s maritime rights under UNCLOS, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
AFP spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military remains committed to defending Philippine sovereignty and protecting the country’s maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
ia/xf
