The navies of the Philippines and the United States conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Philippine armed forces. This exercise, held within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the interoperability and operational coordination between the two allied navies amid escalating tensions with China.
The latest joint exercise, involving two vessels, aimed to increase communication and operational coordination between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy. “These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests,” said Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner.
This joint exercise followed the commencement of joint maritime activities between the two allies in November, designed to improve military coordination against the backdrop of increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. The exercise included various activities such as communication checks, division tactics, officer-of-the-watch maneuvers, photographic exercises, and cross-deck operations.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Philippine counterparts, pledging $500 million to strengthen Manila’s military and coast guard. This pledge is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities and to fortify the US-Philippines alliance under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pivoted closer to Washington.
The funding announcement comes in the wake of a series of increased security engagements between the treaty partners. Under President Marcos Jr., the Philippines has moved away from the previous administration’s pro-China stance, opting instead to strengthen ties with the United States. This shift has led to an uptick in joint military activities, including the largest-ever joint military drill in April.
The joint exercises and increased funding are seen as a response to China’s aggressive activities in the region, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a claim contested by several countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei.
The USS Mobile (LCS 26) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) were among the vessels involved in the recent exercise, held in the waters west of Palawan. The Philippine military emphasized that these drills are not directed at any particular country but are essential for maintaining readiness and enhancing cooperative capabilities.
Earlier this year, China warned the Philippines against provocative actions in the South China Sea, following an incident where the China Coast Guard intercepted a foreign vessel attempting to enter what China claims as its territorial waters. Despite these warnings, the Philippines has continued to assert its rights within its EEZ, supported by the United States.
In addition to the naval exercises, the US and the Philippines launched joint patrols in waters near Taiwan last November. These patrols are part of a broader strategy to increase the number of Philippine bases accessible to the US military, enhancing readiness and deterrence capabilities.
The increased military cooperation is not without its risks. Beijing has repeatedly criticized the joint US-Philippines activities, viewing them as provocative and a threat to regional stability. However, both Manila and Washington have reiterated their commitment to uphold international law and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The joint patrols, which included three Philippine navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft, and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane, are seen as a demonstration of the Philippines’ firm stance on its maritime claims. The United States contributed a littoral combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to the patrols.
The territorial dispute between the Philippines and China has been particularly contentious under President Marcos Jr., leading to repeated standoffs between Chinese and Filipino vessels. Despite these tensions, both countries have recently agreed to collaborate on handling maritime disagreements to reduce tensions in the region.
Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack on its vessels, aircraft, or soldiers in the South China Sea. This commitment is grounded in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations.
The ongoing security cooperation is underscored by a significant financial investment from the United States, with additional funds expected next year to further bolster the Philippine air force. This support is seen as crucial in deterring unwanted aggression and maintaining regional stability.
While China and the Philippines have reached a provisional agreement on resupplying missions to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, the details of this deal remain contentious. Manila continues to assert its rights within its EEZ, supported by international law and the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which rejected China’s claims.
As the geopolitical landscape in the South China Sea remains fraught with tension, the joint naval exercises and increased US-Philippines cooperation signal a strategic alignment aimed at countering Chinese influence and ensuring the security and stability of the region.
