Philippines, U.S. hold joint maritime exercises in South China Sea By Reuters

MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines and the United States held a fifth joint naval exercise in the South China Sea, Manila’s military said on Sunday, in a move likely to anger China.

The Philippine military said in a statement that it conducted “cooperative maritime activities” with the United States on Friday and Saturday, the first of the year and the fifth overall since joint operations began in 2023.

Security ties between the two allies have risen under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has drawn closer to Washington, allowing the expansion of military bases accessible to American forces, including those facing Taiwan.

The joint naval activity included the United States’ Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, two guided-missile destroyers, two helicopters and two F-18 Hornet aircraft.

The Philippine side deployed its frigate Antonio Luna, patrol boat Andres Bonifacio, two FA-50 fighter jets and Air Force search and rescue assets.

The operations “enhanced bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability,” the Philippine military said.

Their joint activity comes as the Philippines complains to China about the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels in its maritime zone, including a 165m vessel it describes as a “monster” in size.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the weekend.