Australia and Canada issued a joint statement Friday following a bilateral meeting in Canada expressing concern over China’s military actions in the South China Sea and reiterating the need for stability in the region. The declaration was made by Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
The statement mentions that Australia welcomes Canada’s increased defense presence in the region, further that both countries will strengthen military cooperation in the region and improve interoperability through multilateral exercises. It also says that all countries must responsibly manage strategic competitions, and strive to reduce conflict in the region.
However, concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea are also expressed, as well as opposition to China’s excessive maritime claims inconsistent with international law, and any destabilizing, coercive actions such as its recent, dangerous responses towards Filipino ships in the region.
Released on the heels of the first joint exercise held by Canada, the U.S.A., Australia, and the Philippines on Thursday to increase interoperability between their respective militaries in the area, the statement reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing unilateral changes to the status quo, and calling for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue, without the use of force or coercion.