The Philippines and Australia are eyeing to conduct joint maritime patrol operations in the South China Sea (SCS) amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This was revealed by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, Feb. 22, after his bilateral meeting with Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. “We’re also looking at ways in which we can pursue joint patrols together in the South China Sea. We’re looking at ways in which we can do war exercises together,” Marles said.

Sadongdong, M. (2023, February 23). PH, Australia eye joint SCS patrols. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.