US-Australia Defence Meeting Sparks Multinational Naval Operation

Australia’s military announced a new Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea involving ships from the US, Canada, and the Philippines. This follows a June FONOP with Japan, Canada, and the Philippines. The operation, led by Adm. David Johnston, emphasizes support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award against China’s territorial claims.

Collin Joh from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University views this as an evolution from bilateral to quadrilateral maritime cooperation, predicting more such operations. Experts Ian Chong and Koh from Singapore don’t foresee significant reactions from China or ASEAN nations, beyond China’s typical rhetoric and monitoring. Concurrently, China conducted its own patrol around Scarborough Shoal, condemning activities that destabilize the region.