The militaries of the Philippines and the United States sailed together this week near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine armed forces said on Tuesday. The joint exercise aimed to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two treaty allies.
Military engagement between Manila and Washington has increased sharply under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His administration has moved closer to the United States in response to China’s expanding presence and activity in the South China Sea.
The drill marked the 11th such exercise between the two countries since November 2023. It took place at Scarborough Shoal, an area located within waters that the Philippines considers part of its exclusive economic zone. China also claims the shoal as part of its territory.
In a statement, the Philippine armed forces said the successful conduct of the activities improved coordination, tactical proficiency, and mutual understanding between allied forces. The military described the exercise as part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness and interoperability.
Assets Deployed By Both Sides
The exercise featured the Philippine Navy frigate Antonio Luna and an offshore patrol vessel from the Philippine Coast Guard. The Philippines also deployed two military aircraft and a helicopter during the drill.
The United States contributed the guided missile destroyer John Finn, an Arleigh Burke class warship. The vessel had transited the Taiwan Strait two weeks earlier. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also deployed an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter as part of the exercise.
The joint sail underscored the growing scope of military cooperation between the two allies. It also reflected Manila’s efforts to assert its maritime interests while deepening defence ties with Washington.
Chinese Military Response
On Tuesday, China’s Southern Theater Command said it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday. The statement did not specify the exact location of the patrol.
The Chinese military accused the Philippines of involving countries from outside the region in what it described as so called joint patrols. It said these activities disrupted peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The command added that its forces would resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. It also said China remained committed to upholding regional peace and stability.
Wider Dispute In The South China Sea
China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea. These claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The South China Sea remains one of the most contested maritime regions in the world. As a result, joint military activities such as the latest Philippines and U.S. drill continue to draw close scrutiny from regional actors.
For Manila, the exercise reflects an effort to strengthen alliances and enhance deterrence. For Beijing, such cooperation reinforces concerns about outside involvement in regional disputes.
With inputs from Reuters
