MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines and the United States conducted joint naval exercises for the fifth time in the South China Sea, a move likely to anger China, the armed forces in Manila said on Sunday.
The Philippine military said in a statement that it conducted a “maritime cooperative activity” with the United States on Friday and Saturday, the first this year and the fifth overall since the launch of joint activities in 2023.
Security clashes between the two allies have increased under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has moved closer to Washington, allowing an expansion of the military bases accessible to US forces, including facilities facing Taiwan.
The joint naval activity included the US Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, two guided missile destroyers, two helicopters and two F-18 Hornet aircraft.
The Philippine side deployed the Antonio Luna frigate, the Andres Bonifacio patrol ship, two FA-50 fighter jets, and Air Force search and rescue assets.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the activities “enhanced bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability.”
Their joint activity came at a time when the Philippines criticized China over the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels within its maritime zone, including a 165-meter (541-foot) vessel that it describes as a “monster” for its size. .
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the weekend.
