In the wake of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, Australian and Filipino forces came together in a landmark joint military exercise. This collaboration comes on the heels of an alarming episode where Chinese coastguard vessels obstructed a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal on August 5, even going as far as firing water cannons.
These drills, the first of their kind for the two nations, signify an evolving landscape of defense partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. Both countries consider this cooperation a necessity, given the mounting territorial disputes and China’s increasing assertiveness in the area.
The South China Sea has long been a contentious flashpoint, with China deploying hundreds of coastguard, navy, and other types of vessels to patrol and militarize reefs in the region. They do this despite an international ruling that discredits China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Such actions have resulted in global consternation, particularly for countries like the Philippines that have suffered directly from China’s territorial ambitions. In 2012, China took control of Scarborough Shoal, a significant fishing territory, from the Philippines after an intense standoff.
The recently held joint drills took place roughly 240km (150 miles) east of the aforementioned Scarborough Shoal. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr addressed the media, highlighting the significance of these exercises in the face of the region’s unpredictability. He said, “Considering the volatility of the region, this close strategic cooperation between countries is extremely important.” The drills were viewed firsthand by both Marcos and Australian Defence Minister, Richard Marles, further underscoring their importance. Marcos emphasized the drills as essential in preparing for unforeseen circumstances in the region.
Recent military collaborations in the region haven’t been limited to just Australia and the Philippines. Only a week earlier, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines conducted a joint patrol. Interestingly, though initially scheduled, a US Navy vessel did not participate. Additionally, further strengthening the ties between the two nations, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his plans to visit the Philippines. This visit will be the first by an Australian leader to the Philippines in two decades, primarily focusing on defense cooperation.
These exercises weren’t merely symbolic. They were comprehensive air, sea, and land drills involving about 1,200 Australian soldiers and 560 Filipino marines. The scenario simulated was the retaking of an island under enemy control. The troops stormed the beach using amphibious assault vehicles, parachutes, and US Osprey aircraft. In a display of advanced warfare capabilities, two cutting-edge Australian F-35 fighter jets provided close air support, while Australian warships ensured the security of the surrounding waters.
Reflecting on the cause for such drills, it’s pertinent to recall the recent clash in the South China Sea. On August 5, Chinese coastguard vessels interfered with a Philippine mission to resupply the Second Thomas Shoal, even resorting to firing water cannons. The Philippines had strategically grounded a World War II-era vessel on this shoal back in 1999. This was a strategic maneuver to curb China’s increasing advances in the region. The vessel served as a small garrison, signaling the Philippines’ determination to hold its ground.
China’s response was an adamant demand for the Philippines to evacuate the vessel, defending its aggressive actions as “professional”. However, a subsequent Philippine mission succeeded in delivering supplies to the outpost. In an unexpected gesture, the Chinese coastguard stated their decision to permit the resupply was based on “humanitarian grounds”, as the Philippine vessels weren’t carrying “illegal building materials for large-scale reinforcements”.
In an ongoing effort to maintain regional stability and peace, the Philippines played host to a crucial meeting this week. The attendees were its fellow members from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China. The agenda? To negotiate a comprehensive code of conduct in the often tumultuous waters of the South China Sea.
In conclusion, the recent joint military exercises between Australia and the Philippines signify a pivotal shift in regional defense collaborations. Given China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, such partnerships become invaluable in ensuring peace, stability, and respect for international rulings.
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