On August 7 and 8, 2024, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States will conduct a significant joint maritime exercise. This event, known as the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, will take place within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The exercise highlights these nations’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
A Show of Unity
The main goal of this exercise is to strengthen regional and international cooperation. By operating together, the naval and air force units from these four countries aim to boost their coordination and interoperability. This cooperative effort underscores their shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order in maritime activities.
What Will Happen
During the exercise, the participating nations’ naval and air force units will work side by side. They will carry out various operations that demonstrate their ability to coordinate effectively. The activities will be conducted in accordance with international law and will respect the safety of navigation and the rights of other states.
Why It Matters
This joint exercise is timely and important. It comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. China has been assertive in its claims over the South China Sea, dismissing a 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected its claims. The tribunal’s decision found China’s claims to be without basis in international law.
In response to these tensions, the four nations participating in this exercise are showing their united stance. They affirm their commitment to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award, which they consider a final and legally binding decision on the maritime disputes in the region.
Recent Developments
The Philippines has been active in strengthening its maritime defense. Recently, the country held separate naval exercises with the United States and Japan in the South China Sea. These exercises were conducted just days before the upcoming joint activity with Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Additionally, the Philippines and Vietnam will conduct a joint coast guard exercise off Manila Bay on August 9, 2024.
These actions reflect the Philippines’ efforts to build stronger defense partnerships. The country has a mutual defense treaty with the United States and signed a new treaty with Japan last month. This new agreement allows for the deployment of troops between the two nations’ territories.
Looking Ahead
The Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity will be the first of its kind involving Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States as a group. This exercise is expected to set a precedent for future cooperation. It will demonstrate the participating nations’ ability to work together seamlessly in addressing maritime challenges.
Future Prospects
This joint maritime exercise is more than just a display of military might. It represents a collective commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By upholding the right to freedom of navigation and respecting maritime rights under international law, these four nations are reinforcing their shared values and responsibilities.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, these exercises serve as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation. They show that despite various challenges, nations can come together to uphold global norms and ensure a safe and open maritime environment.