Philippines, US, Japan, Australia defense chiefs condemn China's South China Sea actions

The defense chiefs of the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia have condemned China's use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea following their meeting on May 2.

During the quadrilateral meeting at the Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii, they expressed serious concern over recent incidents, including a confrontation near Scarborough Shoal on April 30 where Chinese water cannons damaged two Philippine vessels.

The ministers emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and called for adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea.

They pledged to strengthen cooperation among their nations in support of regional security and stability, including enhanced maritime cooperation and information sharing arrangements.

The joint statement also mentioned the difficulty faced by Philippine ships bringing supplies to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal due to repeated obstruction by Chinese vessels.