Japan and Australia may take part in joint South China Sea patrols

Patrol talks: Marcos Jr (left) walks beside a guard of honour at the Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. — AP

THE country is in talks to possibly include Australia and Japan in planned joint South China Sea patrols with the United States, a senior diplomat said, in another sign of concern over Beijing’s activities in the strategic waters.

“Meetings have already been set and probably we may have the Japanese and the Australians join in,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said.