The United States, Australia, and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the right of passage in the South China Sea, despite challenges from Beijing.
In a meeting on May 2 in Hawaii, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III discussed the need to collaborate in upholding the rules of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ministers expressed concerns over Beijing’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, including unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, militarization of disputed features, and aggressive use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia.
They also condemned North Korea’s missile launches and the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The ministers pledged to deepen collaboration with Pacific island nations to implement the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Furthermore, the ministers confirmed their commitment to working together on Japan’s introduction of long-range strike capabilities and to establish a networked air defense architecture to counter air and missile threats.
During a separate meeting, the ministers met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to address concerns over Beijing’s obstruction of Philippine vessels and disruption of supply lines to the Second Thomas Shoal.
The ministers emphasized the importance of asserting freedom of navigation and upholding the global rules-based order in the region, including the South China Sea.
They also discussed recent incidents of Chinese vessels engaging in confrontations with Philippine vessels, despite a 2016 arbitration ruling invalidating Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the region.
Australia has consistently called for upholding maritime rights and freedom, particularly in supporting Philippine vessels’ freedom of navigation.
Overall, the four countries reiterated their commitment to promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and upholding international law in the face of challenges from Beijing.
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