The Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, revealed on Monday that joint patrols between the Philippines and the United States may begin later this year. He confirmed that "discussions are ongoing regarding the joint maritime patrols announced in February."
In an interview with CNN, he stated, "I don't think the patrols will be delayed beyond the third quarter of this year. This is bound to happen," adding that "Australia may also participate in the joint maritime activities."
This announcement comes just days after Washington clarified its commitment to defend Manila against any attack at sea. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced in February that he had agreed with his Philippine counterpart Carlito Galvez to resume joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, which were suspended by former President Rodrigo Duterte after he took office in 2016 as part of his efforts to strengthen relations with China.
However, Galvez told reporters on Monday that "there are no official discussions" regarding the joint patrols with the United States and Australia.
Relations between the Philippines and the United States have improved under Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte's successor, who met with U.S. President Joe Biden during a four-day visit to Washington last week.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, through which over three trillion dollars in global trade passes each year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan also claim sovereignty over parts of the sea.
