Philippines in Talks With Australia, U.S. for Joint Patrols in South China Sea, Sending More Troops to Taiwan

The Philippines has begun talks with Australia and the United States over possible joint maritime patrols in the disputed South China Sea to counter Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles met with Philippine Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez in Manila on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral defense relations between the two nations. Marles, who concurrently serves as Australia’s defense minister, said they agreed to explore ways to pursue “joint patrols together in the South China Sea” and conduct “more exercises together.” Both nations are “deeply invested” in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law…