Ships from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and United States Navy have conducted a routine multilateral transit through the South China Sea in accordance with international law.
The transit was conducted with Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba participating alongside Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown and United States Navy Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland.
HMAS Toowoomba is currently on a Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.
These deployments perform an important role in Australia's long-term security and prosperity by protecting Australia's interests, strengthening cooperation with regional partners and allies, and enhancing capability and interoperability.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC RAN:
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to the South China Sea being a peaceful waterway where international law is respected and adhered to, and which remains open for trade."
"This routine deployment demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to regional security and highlights how we work alongside like-minded allies and partners to uphold a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo Pacific."
"The Australian Defence Force has operated in the region for decades and our vessels and aircraft continue to uphold international law during freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."
Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Toowoomba, Commander Alicia Harrison
"Throughout this Regional Presence Deployment, HMAS Toowoomba has successfully completed joint sails, cooperative activities, and other engagements with other navies' vessels, aircraft and representatives."
"Multilateral transits like this allow us to perform different mission serials and exchanges together, including cross-decking of sailors, and observing how other crews work together firsthand."
"Collaboration with our allies and partners ensures our sailors can continue to work together in future, and signals our common interest and commitment in seeing the Indo-Pacific region remain prosperous."
