In a show of force aimed at deterring China, the Philippines and its allies, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, announced joint military drills in the South China Sea. Nonetheless, China challenged them, initiating joint patrols near a contested area on the same day.
On August 7, the Philippines, the United States, Australia, and Canada started two-day air and naval operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The allies characterized it as a demonstration of strength aimed at promoting the rule of law in the contested South China Sea, where China has been intensifying its territorial assertions.
Leaders of Australia, Canada, and the Philippines’ armed forces and defense departments, along with Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said in a statement that they “stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order.”
An official statement published by the US Indo-Pacific Command stated, “We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order. Our four nations reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award to the Philippines as a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute.” From UNCLOS so China Adhere to the ruling.
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