Australia will provide drones, training, and other technologies to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen their border protection capabilities, following China's increasing military presence in the South China Sea. This was announced by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a joint media conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila on Thursday.
According to Ms. Wong, they want to have a region that is predictable, follows rules, standards, and laws, and respects sovereignty. They also want to work with the Philippines to support Asean's contribution to regional peace and security, including maritime training. His three-day visit includes the annual joint military drills of Manila and Canberra.
On Wednesday, Ms. Wong visited the PCG headquarters where Philippine coast guard officers shared their experiences in patroling the South China Sea. China continues to recognize its sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a claim that was extended by an international tribunal ruling in 2016, but is contested by the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia.
According to Ms. Wong, Australia also plans to provide information and technical assistance to the Philippines to help it combat illegal fishing in the country's waters. Talks are ongoing between the Philippines and Australia regarding the possibility of joint patrols in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, and the Philippines is also having similar discussions with its allies such as the United States and Japan.
As part of its defense and security assistance, Australia is pushing for steps to further strengthen its partnership with the Philippines against the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia is a key ally of the Philippines, along with the US, and they continue to welcome the decision of the international tribunal that says the eastern parts of the South China Sea are part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
