MANILA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The Philippines and Australia on Wednesday discussed pursuing joint patrols in the South China Sea, days after the Southeast Asian country held similar talks with the United States on the need to counter China's assertiveness in the strategic waterway. "On Tuesday, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft flew over the South China Sea, as part of efforts to boost its presence in contested waters and protect what it says is its maritime territory. 6 incident in which China's coast guard directed a military-grade laser at the crew of a Philippine coast guard vessel around Second Thomas Shoal