Partners unite in South China Sea

With more than a century of cooperation, Australia and Canada are continuing their strong partnership in the Indo-Pacific.

The RAN and RCN recently operated side by side in the South China Sea for more than two weeks, strengthening interoperability and reinforcing cooperation with regional partners and allies.

HMAS Toowoomba and HMCS Charlottetown, both deployed on regional presence deployments in the Indo-Pacific, united for a series of activities that included a South China Sea transit alongside USS Ashland.

The period of cooperation also included the two warships participating in Philippines-led Exercise Balikatan before transitioning into a multi-day bilateral cooperative activity at sea.

CO Toowoomba CMDR Alicia Harrison said the opportunity to operate closely with Canada strengthened shared capability and regional security outcomes.

“As a Pacific partner, Australia welcomes Canada’s continued presence in the Indo-Pacific,” CMDR Harrison said.

“It is vital that like-minded nations work together to promote a prosperous, open and inclusive region, and to collectively uphold maritime security.”

While operating in company, Toowoomba and Charlottetown conducted a range of complex serials, including a dual replenishment at sea, boarding and towing exercises, coordinated live high-seas firing and general seamanship training.

These activities tested ship handling, command and control, and tactical integration while enhancing mutual understanding between the two navies.

The cooperation extended beyond technical training, with people-to-people engagements fostering strong professional relationships between the Australian and Canadian crews.

“My crew and I were greatly impressed by the depth of experience, professionalism and maritime skill demonstrated by our Royal Canadian Navy colleagues,” CMDR Harrison said.

“Training alongside trusted partners allows us to broaden our perspective and strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the region we call home.”

Toowoomba has been deployed since January as part of Australia’s 2026 regional presence deployment program across East and South-East Asia. Charlottetown has been deployed since February under Operation Horizon, Canada’s forward naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.

CO Charlottetown CMDR Jonathan Maurice said operating alongside Australia delivered tangible operational benefits.

“Canada and Australia are partners by geography and shared interests,” CMDR Maurice said.

“As Pacific nations, we have a clear interest in supporting freedom of navigation, safeguarding critical sea lines of communication and contributing to stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.”