INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — China on Thursday evening warned against moves to “disrupt regional peace and stability” after Australia and the Philippines inked an agreement to boost collaboration on maritime security.
“The South China Sea is generally stable. Relevant countries’ maritime security cooperation should not undermine other countries’ interests or disrupt regional peace and stability,” said China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning in a press conference.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, during his address to the Australian Parliament, said Australia is the Philippines’ partner in guarding rules-based international order.
“We have an abiding interest in keeping our seas free and open and in ensuring unimpeded passage and freedom of navigation. We must uphold, preserve, and defend the unified and universal character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the constitution of the oceans,” said Marcos earlier.
Three agreements were signed by Marcos during his visit to Australia— all of which seek to enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between Australia and the Philippines, particularly in maritime domain.
In November 2023, the Philippines and Australia launched their first joint patrol in the West Philippine Sea.