Defense Chiefs from US, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines pledge to strengthen collaboration

Defense chiefs from the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Philippines gathered in Hawaii for their second-ever joint meeting to deepen their cooperation amid growing concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea. The meeting followed the first joint naval exercises in the region last month, where tensions have been rising due to Beijing’s territorial disputes with Southeast Asian nations.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the importance of the drills in strengthening the ability of the nations to work together and uphold international law in the waterway. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating that it sends a strong message about the commitment of four democracies to the global rules-based order.

The defense chiefs discussed increasing the tempo of their defense exercises and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security. The U.S. has longstanding defense treaties with all three nations involved in the meeting and has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to challenge China’s expansive claims in the region.

The recent skirmishes between China and the Philippines have raised concerns about regional stability, with Beijing accusing the U.S. of trying to contain China through its alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Despite these tensions, President Joe Biden’s administration aims to strengthen alliances in the region while dealing with other global crises.

The meeting in Hawaii underscores the importance of cooperation among like-minded nations in the face of growing challenges in the South China Sea. As China’s assertiveness continues to raise alarm, the U.S. and its allies are working together to uphold international norms and ensure regional security.