Philippines, US, Australia, Canada Holds Exercises In South China Sea

JAKARTA - The Philippines, United States (US), Australia, and Canada held joint sea and air exercises in the South China Sea, where Beijing also held rival military exercises in the waters.

The four countries pledged to "enforce the right to freedom of navigation and aviation," as well as other utilization of international sea and air areas permitted under international law.

"While demonstrating our collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in favor of a free and open Indo-Pacific, our joint armed forces will carry out Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on August 7 and 8, 2024," according to a joint statement by the four countries reported by ANTARA from Anadolu-OANA, Wednesday, August 7.

The statement explained the exercise would be carried out in "a manner consistent with international law and taking into account the safety of navigation as well as the rights and interests of other countries".

"We are united to address the challenges of joint maritime and underline our shared dedication to upholding international law and rule-based order," the statement said.

"Our four countries reaffirm the Court's Decision on the 2016 South China Sea as a final and legally binding decision for disputed parties," the statement said further.

Meanwhile, China's military Southern Theater Command held a joint naval and air combat patrol near Huangyan Island, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, or Beting Scarborough.

The drills involve reconnaissance, early warning, rapid maneuvers and tests of joint attack capabilities, according to the state-run daily newspaper, the Global Times.

Last week, the Philippines and Japan conducted their first joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is strengthening defense ties with other US close allies amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea.