Japan, Australia concerned over China’s coercive SCS activities vs. PH

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

MINISTERIAL MEETING. Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (left to right) during the 11th Japan-Australia foreign and defense ministerial meeting in Victoria, Australia on Sept. 5, 2024. The ministers have expressed “serious concern” over China’s “intensification” of dangerous and coercive activities towards the Philippines in the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy of Australian Ministry of Defense via PNA)

MANILA – Japan and Australia have expressed “serious concern” over China’s “intensification” of dangerous and coercive activities towards the Philippines in the South China Sea (SCS).

The statement was issued after the 2+2 ministerial meeting between Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and his counterpart Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru in Victoria, Australia on Sept. 5.

“We expressed serious concerns over recent developments in the South China Sea, including an intensification of China’s dangerous and coercive activities towards the Philippines, which have occurred with high frequency,” the four ministers said.

“We opposed any coercive actions that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability, including the militarisation of disputed features.”

The ministers reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes and again reaffirmed that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is “final and legally” binding on the two parties.

During the meeting, the two states agreed to expand security cooperation “to include all tools of statecraft to help prevent conflict and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

The ministers said they would work with Southeast Asian nations “to improve regional economic, security and climate resilience to security challenges.”

They then confirmed continuing support to the Philippine Coast Guard as part of their wider effort to enhance civil maritime cooperation with partners in the region.