Philippines in Talks With US, Australia for South China Sea Joint Patrols

A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, on March 29, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The Philippines has begun talks with the United States and Australia over possible joint maritime patrols in the disputed South China Sea to counter Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles—who concurrently serves as defense minister—met with Philippine Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez in Manila last week to discuss strengthening bilateral defense relations between the two nations.