MANILA, Philippines – Nakatakdang magsagawa ng Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity sa West Philippine Sea ang Armed forces ng United States, Australia, Canada, at Pilipinas sa darating na Miyerkules at Huwebes.
Sa joint statement, nagkasundo ang defense at military chiefs ng apat na mga bansa para palakasin ang regional at international cooperation para sa libre at bukas na Indo-Pacific.
“Our combined armed forces will conduct a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on August 7 and 8, 2024,” anila.
Ang mga opisyal na lumahok sa joint statement ay sina US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, Australian Chief of Defence Force Admiral David Johnston, Canadian Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, at Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
Anila, maninindigan sila sa Karapatan sa freedom of navigation at overflight, maging ang iba pang lawful uses ng sea at international airspace.
Ayon sa mga ito, nirerespeto nila ang maritime rights sa ilalim ng international law na sinasalamin ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Ipinunto pa na ang kanilang naval at air force units ay mag-ooperate nang sama-sama para palakasin ang kooperasyon at interoperability sa pagitan ng armed forces ng apat na bansa.
“The activity will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States,” dagdag pa.
Sa kabila ng tension sa WPS, nanindigan ang US, Australia, Canada at Pilipinas na ang 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award ay pinal at ‘legally binding’ sa naturang gusot.
“We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order,” anila.
“Our four nations reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute,” dagdag pa. RNT/JGC
