Australia and Philippines begin joint patrols in South China Sea as regional tensions rise

Richard Marles says two countries committed to a peaceful region where ‘sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected’

Australia and the Philippines have begun joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea as Pacific nations warily eye an increasingly assertive China.

The three-day exercises follow discussions earlier this year on joint patrols to underscore what the countries say is their commitment to closer cooperation and a rules-based order in the region.