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The Royal Australian Navy has conducted transit through the South China Sea as a part of a regional presence deployment operation in the Indo-Pacific.
Anzac Class long-range frigate HMAS Toowoomba recently concluded its operations in the region, noting that no confrontations or negative interactions with foreign naval vessels occurred.
“Routine transits like this one demonstrate Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected,” said Toowoomba’s commanding officer, Commander Alicia Harrison.
Along with the regional deployment, HMAS Toowoomba will continue activities in the area that promote stability and interoperability including training exercises and joint operations with regional allies.
“This transit reaffirms Australian vessels and aircraft will continue to exercise our rights to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” CMDR Harrison said.
Australia has long conducted regional presence deployments in the South China Sea and wider Indo-Pacific region, holding a near-continuous presence in the conflicted area.
Defence said these are valuable operations to support security in the region and preserve an international rules-based order.
“The Australian Defence Force has a long history of operating in the South China Sea region; at sea, in the air and on land. It remains a vital waterway for the entire international community,” said Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones.
“This routine deployment demonstrates our commitment to regional security, upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“Australian vessels and aircraft uphold international law during freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
