Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity Joint Statement

August 6, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Demonstrating our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, our combined armed forces will conduct a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on August 7 and 8, 2024.

The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together enhancing cooperation and interoperability between our armed forces. The activity will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States.

We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order. Our four nations reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute.

ADML DAVID JOHNSTON AC RAN Australian Chief of Defence Force

GEN M. A. JENNIE CARIGNAN, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD Canadian Chief of Defence Staff

GEN ROMEO S BRAWNER JR PA Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff

ADM SAMUEL PAPARO, USN Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command