Philippines, Australia begin joint patrols in the South China Sea

The three-day joint patrol in the South China Sea was announced by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on social media.

The Philippine military said two of its navy ships and five surveillance aircraft would join the joint patrol, while Australia sent the frigate HMAS Toowoomba and a P8-A maritime surveillance aircraft.

Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba

The joint patrols come after the two sides discussed joint patrols this year to underscore what they called their commitment to a rules-based order, according to Reuters.

"Australia and the Philippines stand ready to contribute to a peaceful, secure and prosperous region where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected. The first joint patrol between the Australian Defence Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrates this commitment," Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a joint statement released by President Marcos.

"This maritime cooperation activity and the ones that follow are likely to be a practical manifestation of the deepening and growing defense relationship and strategic partnership between our countries," President Marcos wrote on social media X.

Earlier, on November 23, Philippine and US forces concluded a three-day joint sea and air patrol that started in waters near Taiwan and ended in the East Sea, according to Reuters.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/philippines-uc-bat-dau-tuan-tra-chung-o-bien-dong-185231125112145331.htm