Philippines - US joint patrols in the East Sea

The Philippine military announced a two-day joint patrol with US forces in the East Sea, amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing.

The Philippine military said on January 3 that the second joint patrol with the United States is underway with the participation of four Philippine naval ships and four ships from the US Indo-Pacific Command, including an aircraft carrier, a cruiser and two destroyers.

Philippine military commander Romeo Brawner in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, in August 2023. Photo: Reuters — Philippine military commander Romeo Brawner in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, in August 2023. Photo: *Reuters*

Philippine military commander Romeo Brawner said the event marked a leap forward in the Manila-Washington alliance as well as the ability to coordinate between the Philippine military and US forces.

"The message to the world is that our alliance is stronger than ever. We are promoting a rules-based international order and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region in the face of regional challenges," Brawner said.

Joint patrols between the Philippines and the US are likely to upset China. A series of recent encounters between Philippine and Chinese government vessels in the South China Sea have heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing.

The Philippines and the US conducted their first joint patrols in November, holding three days of joint military exercises in waters near Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters )

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