Australia and Philippines back peace in the Strait

‘STATUS QUO’: The two countries’ defense chiefs encouraged dialogue instead of the use of force, and slammed China’s aggressive moves in disputed waters The defense chiefs of Australia and the Philippines yesterday reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, voicing opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the “status quo,” as they pledged to deepen bilateral security cooperation.The joint statement was issued following the third Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Darwin, Australia, between Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.The two leaders encouraged “dialogue rather than coercion or the use of force” in the Taiwan Strait. Australian