Australia is intensifying its commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea through joint military exercises with the United Kingdom and other allies. These exercises specifically focus on those contested waters and stress interoperability with partners and allies, notably the United States, Japan, Canada, and the Philippines. Taken together, they signal a robust multilateral alliance opposing China’s aggressive territorial ambitions.
The last operations were focused on the Spratly Islands, waters which Australia has recently defended the right to freely navigate. Australia’s HMAS Sydney paired with British patrol vessel HMS Spey to carry out these exercises. Both countries seek to counter China’s growing maritime claims and assertiveness, as well as bolster their own role in the broader Indo-Pacific.
A Unified Military Presence
Australia and the UK have shared a long history of close cooperation. In the past months, both countries have escalated their naval presence in the South China Sea. From recent operations to enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea, this regional coalition has demonstrated a clear commitment to enforcing the peace and stability of its region. The deployment of nearly 4,000 UK military personnel to the region underlines the scale and scope of this collaborative effort.
As Euan Graham of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute noted, these exercises represent something consequential. “There’s a sense that Australia is stepping up its game and being present at a time when China’s navy is exerting its presence close to Australia,” he said. It’s all about the stuff underneath. Graham underscored a hopeful moment for both his country and ours. This led, almost independently, to the UK and Australia conducting their own publicly flagged FONOPS in the South China Sea.
The Australian military’s resolve remains steadfast, as it seeks to demonstrate that it will not be deterred by China’s recent actions, including its partial circumnavigation of the Australian mainland. The joint exercises are a strong signal to Australia’s allies that it has the will to defend international maritime norms.
Navigating Tensions with China
China’s claims over almost the entirety of the South China Sea have drawn international scrutiny, particularly following a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that deemed these claims invalid. Even in light of this ruling, Beijing has not lessened its rhetoric or its maritime claims and aggressiveness—escalating action that has caused increased alarm among its regional neighbors.
In February, Chinese military forces reportedly expelled three Philippine aircraft from the Spratly Islands, highlighting the fraught atmosphere in the area. This event highlights the risk of perilous confrontations in the South China Sea that worry many maritime security specialists.
Amidst these tensions, Australia’s recent military maneuvers have been characterized as a response to China’s aggressive posture. The UK Defence Ministry’s Permanent Joint Headquarters stated, “HMS SPEY and HMAS SYDNEY have just conducted Freedom of Navigation Activity around the Spratly Islands in accordance with UNCLOS.”
Reaffirming Commitment to Allies
The joint operations also serve to reiterate solidarity amongst U.S. allies against the backdrop of increasing regional tensions. For the British, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called these exercises a “crucial demonstration” of U.S. As he put it, they project a message of unmistakable strength to our enemies and show our friends strong and unwavering resolve. This feeling is part of the wider strategy behind nations alarmed by China’s aggressive military expansion.
Australia is right to be participating in freedom of navigation operations with this growing coalition of countries. The country is firmly committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight through critical sea routes. The partnership with allies such as the UK represents an important step towards a longer-term effort to counter the destabilizing impacts of China’s aggressive maritime claims.
