Joint Philippines-Australia Patrols Enhance Security in South China Sea

The Philippines and Australia have commenced joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea, following similar actions taken by the Philippines with the United States. The exercises aim to demonstrate their commitment to a rules-based order and counter China's "aggressive activities" in the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which is a major shipping route, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis. The patrols will be conducted in the West Philippine Sea, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.