An Australian delegate said on Wednesday that the Philippines and other claimants to the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea against China should strengthen their maritime capabilities because the dispute could possibly lead to an armed conflict. In a press briefing during the 3rd Association of Southeast Nations Marine Centre for Ocean Resources and Security delegate Samuel Bateman said the strengthen of maritime borders of countries involved in the conflict was important not only because of the ongoing territorial dispute, but also because of other critical concerns such as freedom of navigation and search and rescue efforts, among others. He also acknowledged Manila's efforts to address its lack of maritime patrol capabilities through its National Coast Guard system.

Fabunan, S. (2012, October 4). Manila told to improve sea security. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.