AUSTRALIAN foreign affairs minister said Canberra is considering whether to take part in joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea alongside the Philippines and the United States.
Following a meeting with her counterpart Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Senator Penny Wong said Australia is ready to provide surveillance drones, skills training, and other high-tech gear to the Philippine Coast Guard amid the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Canberra is also considering whether to take part in joint patrols in the disputed waterway, according to the Australian diplomat.
During her stay, Senator Wong met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and discussed issues such as the South China Sea, defense, trade, and other issues of mutual concern.
The Australian foreign minister was also welcomed by Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte in a courtesy call on Thursday, May 18.
Wong’s visit comes a few days before both countries celebrate the Philippine-Australian Friendship Day on May 22nd.
As part of Wong’s visit, the DFA announced that the Australian government allocated AUD89.9-M or approximately PHP3.32-B worth of official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines for 2023 to 2024.
