Aussie, PH joint patrol not targeted vs any country
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said the recent Australia-Philippines joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) “is nothing new” and are not targeted against any country.
This, as the National Defense of China said defense and security cooperation between two countries shall not target or harm a third party’s interests and shall not undermine regional peace and stability.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the joint maritime activities were meant to enhance the interoperability of both countries under the defense agreement.
“The Philippines and Australia are strategic partners and we have a status of visiting forces agreement. The combined maritime activity is nothing new. It is a regular joint exercise to enhance the interoperability of Philippine and Australian military forces, consistent with our long-standing defense cooperation,” she said.
Daza stressed “the Philippines’ defense cooperation activities with Australia are not targeted against any country.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force carried out the maritime activity within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone from Nov. 25 to 27.
The AFP had said during their joint patrol, two Chinese fighter jets orbited above a Philippine Air Force aircraft while patrolling the West Philippine Sea.
China said they oppose any act that stirs up confrontation and heightens tensions in the South China Sea.
