Edited by Deepali Verma
The Philippines in collaboration with the United States conducted maritime exercises in the South China Sea on February 9, said the Philippine military, the latest round of drills underlining ongoing expansion of their defence ties.
Security engagements between the treaty allies have escalated in the last year, at a time of tension in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have pointed fingers at each other over a spate of run-ins over territory.
This was the third time the Philippines and former colonial ruler the United States have held joint exercises in the South China Sea since November last year, moves that have caused frustration in Beijing, which objects to what it sees as U.S. interference in its backyard.
“It highlights our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and to foster close cooperation towards enhancing our maritime capabilities,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner voiced in a statement.
China claims sovereignty over the entirety of South China Sea, a conduit of over $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, that includes parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
It has policed those claims with a massive coast guard fleet that the Philippines has accused of hostile intentions as well as actions that are against international law. China claims that it is protecting its territory.
