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Australia and Canada have released a joint statement strengthening their defence partnership and exploring new opportunities in the South China Sea.
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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles recently met with Minister of National Defence of Canada Bill Blair to approve the joint statement following their bilateral meeting.
The discussions focused on increased military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, global security, common platforms and capability development, cyber and space.
“We will explore ways to reduce barriers to collaboration, including through arrangements to facilitate value-added defence and industrial activities and to support operational cooperation,” the joint statement said
“We will reinforce collaboration in space, cyber, research and development, advanced capabilities, and science and technology. We remain committed to the Five Eyes partnership.
“We commit to deepen our operational cooperation, including by exploring opportunities to conduct joint sails, cooperative deployments, and multilateral exercises and training.”
Both countries agreed to enhance interoperability through participation in multilateral exercises, including in the South China Sea.
“Australia welcomes the involvement of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver in Exercise Kakadu next month, and plans for a follow-on ship re-armament activity, which will demonstrate the ability to provide logistics support to regional operations,” the joint statement said.
“Australia welcomes Canada’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025 and similar future exercises.
“Canada and Australia are concerned by China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with international law. We also emphasise the importance of all states’ abilities to exercise rights and freedoms, including freedom of navigation and overflight, in a manner that is consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We reiterate our strong opposition to destabilising or coercive actions in the South China Sea, including dangerous manoeuvres and the militarisation of disputed features. We express grave concern over China’s dangerous actions against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. These actions jeopardise regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties and noted all states have a responsibility to adhere to international law. We are encouraged by the Philippines’ and China’s diplomatic engagement and commitment to de-escalate tensions.”
In addition, both countries will explore opportunities for mutual learning and training to increase the interoperability and skill set of military members on shared platforms, such as the F-35 fighter aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and new warship classes based on the Type 26 frigate design of BAE Systems.
