It does need a conflict before Australia helps the Philippines in the waters.
For Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu, preventing a conflict is "more important" than making a response to it.
That, she said, is the reason why Canberra is helping Manila bolster the interoperability between troops of both sides as well as in preserving the marine environment, which is already damaged by various illegal activities in the waters.
"That's exactly what Australia is already doing in the Philippines—when we engage in exercises; when we are helping, rather, strengthen your governance; when we are helping with even marine environment," Yu said at a reception hosted for journalists on Friday night, when she was about what Australia would do when conflict arises at sea.
Strengthening partnership with the Philippines will not only come when there is already a conflict. Both sides can already do better when doing contingency planning, Yu believed.
"We're already doing so much to show the Philippines how much we are there as your strategic partner and true friend and good neighbor," she said.
Amid aggressive actions in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Australia stepped up its military alliance to ensure peace in the region, including through ministerial meetings and joint exercises. Australia is also looking forward to conduct joint sea patrol with the Philippines.