Phl Hits Coercive Use Of Militias, Coast Guard In SCS

The Philippines and Australia have expressed serious concern over the “dangerous and coercive” use of coast guard vessels and maritime militias in the South China Sea and the continuing militarization of disputed features.

- Pia Lee-Brago

In a joint statement at the end of the 5th Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting on Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and his counterpart Trade Minister Dan Tehan cited the significance of the ministerial meeting as a strategic dialogue to chart the direction and vision of bilateral relations under the framework of the 2015 Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.

“The ministers and secretaries expressed serious concern about the continuing militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea, the dangerous and coercive use of coast guard vessels and maritime militias and efforts to disrupt other countries’ resource exploitation activities,” the statement read.

“They emphasized that the actions of a state’s coast guard, and its associated legal frameworks, must be consistent with international law,” it read.

The ministers and secretaries reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight and that all disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They noted the fifth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award and reaffirmed that it is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute.