On Wednesday, August 7, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines announced the start of a two-day joint military exercise in the South China Sea to demonstrate their military strength and promote the rule of law in the disputed region. In response, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) stated that it conducted naval and aerial combat patrols in the South China Sea.
According to ABC News, the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the Australian Defense Department’s Admiral David Johnston, Canada’s Armed Forces General Jennie Carignan, and the Philippines’ Armed Forces General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated in a joint declaration that they “stand together to address maritime challenges and emphasize our common commitment to upholding international law and rules-based order.”
The statement also reiterated their countries’ commitment to “upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the seas and airspace, and respecting maritime rights under international law.” They highlighted that the two-day military exercise aims to ensure unhindered passage in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.
At the same time as the four countries announced the joint military exercise, the CCP’s Southern Theater Command issued a statement on WeChat, stating that its navy conducted naval and aerial combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal. The statement also claimed that military activities disrupting stability and creating hotspots in the region have been under control.
The Philippine military responded by stating that three Chinese naval vessels “trailed” the joint military exercise of the four countries, adding that apart from the usual illegal occupation and presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels, no exercise or combat patrol was observed.
The South China Sea is a crucial passage for global trade and security. The CCP has long claimed sovereignty over 90% of the South China Sea and pledged to defend its territorial interests at all costs. Its claims overlap with those of coastal countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, hindering their access to traditional fishing grounds and disturbing internationally recognized exclusive economic zones.
Manila and Beijing have clashed multiple times in the South China Sea, accusing each other of aggressive behavior by their vessels and environmental destruction.
On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, announced the ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case in favor of the Philippines. The tribunal ruled that the CCP’s “nine-dash line” claim lacked legal basis, and the disputed area near Scarborough Shoal fell within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, with Chinese actions in the area infringing on Philippine sovereignty.
The tribunal noted that while China claimed historical rights in the South China Sea, discussions during the negotiations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) considered historical rights and ultimately decided not to incorporate them into the convention. Therefore, China’s claims did not align with UNCLOS and were legally unfounded.
This ruling invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea; however, China rejected the ruling and has consistently disregarded it.
Since last year, there have been multiple clashes between Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy vessels at two disputed shoals. On June 17, near Second Thomas Shoal, a violent standoff occurred. In July, both countries reached a temporary agreement to prevent further conflicts.