The navies of the Philippines, the US, and Japan conducted joint military drills in the South China Sea this week, Manila said. The exercises aim to strengthen cooperation, maritime security, and interoperability among the allied forces. The move comes amid ongoing tensions over competing territorial claims in the resource-rich waterway.
Since 2023, the Philippines has collaborated with multiple countries to assert its maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea. China claims most of the area and rejects a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its historical claims. The joint exercises send a message of allied readiness and regional commitment.
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The Philippine armed forces deployed the frigate Antonio Luna, helicopters, and fighter jets, while Japan contributed a P-3 Orion aircraft. The US sent the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and a Poseidon patrol plane. Exercises included replenishment at sea, joint air patrols, fly-bys, and communications checks to enhance coordination.
Philippine officials said the drills “underscore the sustained commitment of partner forces to improve Maritime Domain Awareness and reinforce security in the region.” Analysts say these activities aim to deter aggression and ensure freedom of navigation in contested waters.
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The Philippines also recently held similar exercises with the US and Australia on February 15–16. Observers note that such drills highlight growing multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific amid rising geopolitical tensions.