Growing Tensions in the South China Sea: Philippines and Australia Unite Against Chinese Aggression
A Growing Threat
CANBERRA: China is putting ever-greater pressure on the Philippines to cede its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said on Tuesday after a meeting with his Australian counterpart in Canberra.
Increased Demands from Beijing
"What we see is an increasing demand by Beijing for us to concede our sovereign rights in the area," he said, adding that the Philippines was a "victim of Chinese aggression."
Repeating Disputes
China and the Philippines have sparred repeatedly this year over disputed areas of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia’s most contested features.
Growing Security Ties
Teodoro’s meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, their fifth since August 2023, reflects growing security ties between the countries, both of whom have expressed concern about Chinese activity in areas of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.
A Strategic Partnership
The two nations signed a strategic partnership in September 2023 and held their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea several months later. The Philippines also joined war games in Australia this year for the first time.
Contrary to International Law
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis, a ruling Beijing rejects.
Defence Deals and Diplomacy
Teodoro said China’s claims and behaviour were contrary to international law and defence deals with partners such as Australia were an important way to deter Chinese incursions.
"Although they (China) claim to act under the aegis of international law, everybody knows that what they’re doing is contrary to the tenets of international law," he said.
"The biggest evidence of this is that nobody has actually supported their actions or activities."
A Stronger Defence
In addition to closer ties with countries including Australia and the United States, the Philippines also plans to spend at least $33 billion on new weapons including advanced fighter jets and mid-range missiles.
Australian Support
Marles said Australia wanted to work more closely with the Philippine defence industry and would send an engineering assessment team to the country early next year.
Conclusion
As tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, the Philippines and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and protecting their sovereign rights. The growing security ties between the two nations serve as a deterrent to Chinese aggression and a testament to their shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of tensions in the South China Sea?
A: Tensions between China and other claimant nations, including the Philippines, have continued to escalate, with Beijing increasing its military presence in the region.
Q: What is the Philippines doing to respond to Chinese aggression?
A: The Philippines is strengthening its defence ties with countries including Australia and the United States, and plans to spend at least $33 billion on new weapons.
Q: How is Australia supporting the Philippines in its dispute with China?
A: Australia has signed a strategic partnership with the Philippines and has held joint sea and air patrols with the country.