Australia, the Philippines, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States are collaborating on a joint maritime activity in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, a sensitive area in Asia. This cooperative effort aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation for a peaceful Indo-Pacific according to Australia’s Department of Defense.
The activity involves Navy ship HMAS Sydney and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft operating with partner nations to enhance cooperation and interoperability. This comes in response to recent tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed areas like the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
Australia also demonstrated its commitment to a stable Indo-Pacific by sailing through the Taiwan Strait with New Zealand. China, asserting sovereignty over the strait, has been urged by Australia to prioritize peace and stability in the region.
As China claims most of the South China Sea, Australia has been advocating for a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes. This joint maritime activity signifies a unified front against escalating tensions in the region.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.
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