Philippine Ambassador to the United States Romualdes said that the Philippines is discussing with the United States that Australia and Japan may join the joint patrol of the South China Sea. Romualdes said that for now this is still an idea, and everything is still under discussion. If implemented, it would be the first time the Philippines has conducted maritime patrols in the South China Sea with many countries. Australia, Japan and the U.S. and Chinese embassies in Manila did not respond to comment.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stressed earlier that a new Cold War and great power competition should not appear in the Asia-Pacific region, and regional countries should not be forced to choose sides. (Phoenix Satellite TV Chen Lixia comprehensive report)
