Australia will provide surveillance drones and other high-tech gear to the Philippine coast guard and is considering whether to take part in joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea. 9News
has fortified its vast territorial claims by transforming disputed reefs into missile-protected island bases and deploying Chinese coast guard and militia ships on constant patrols.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong speaks beside Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo during a joint press conference at a hotel in Makati City, Philippines on Thursday May 18, 2023
Responding to a question at a news conference Thursday about the prospects of Australia joining such patrols with the US and the Philippines, Wong said that "we are open to cooperating with all our partners to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight." The two countries are also discussing plans for more joint military training and exercises, Wong said.
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