00:00Meanwhile, New Zealand and the Philippines are freedom-loving countries who swear and die by the rule of law and mutual respect for like-minded nations.
00:09Hence, it comes as no surprise that both maritime nations find common ground to preserve freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Seas,
00:18which has turned in the last few years as a flashpoint for China's harassing and bullying acts to try rule over other countries' maritime territories.
00:28Little wonder the United States, Japan and Australia have stood by our side and partnered with us through joint military exercises
00:36to preserve the rule of law in navigating these vast waterways that are significantly crucial to international trade and commerce.
00:45The latest one to join the fray is Australia's neighbour in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand.
00:51Both countries' defence and national security leaders just inked a mutual security deal,
00:56which the country's commander-in-chief stood and presided over as proud witness earlier today.
