Australia and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Philippines in the face of China’s ongoing aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, during the Pilipinas Conference 2024 on Wednesday.
In her address, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu announced that Australia would double its civil maritime investment in the Philippines to P656 million, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation. Yu reiterated Australia’s concern over China’s “dangerous and aggressive conduct,” particularly against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya also pledged Japan’s support, particularly in strengthening the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capabilities and deepening trilateral security cooperation with the United States. Both ambassadors underscored the importance of a secure maritime domain for regional stability.
Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit emphasized the need for multilateral action, noting that the Philippines cannot address these security challenges alone. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez similarly highlighted the role of multilateralism in countering China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Top military officials, including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., stressed the significance of strategic partnerships in countering threats both at sea and in cyberspace. The Philippines has conducted numerous multilateral maritime exercises with countries like the US, Japan, Australia, and others this year, which, according to RADM Roy Vincent Trinidad, have prompted a shift in the behavior of China’s maritime forces.
Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela and Air Force officials also reiterated the value of international support in upholding Philippine sovereignty and addressing misinformation campaigns linked to China.
