Philippines and US hold joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea

(CLO) The Philippines and the United States have conducted their fifth joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, according to a statement from Manila's armed forces on Sunday.

The Philippine military said in a statement that it held a “maritime cooperation activity” with the United States on Friday and Saturday, the first this year and the fifth since the start of joint activities in 2023.

China's 165m long CCG 5901 ship. Photo: Wikipedia

Security engagement between the two allies increased under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who moved closer to Washington, allowing expanded access to military bases for U.S. forces, including facilities facing Taiwan.

This joint maritime operation includes the US Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, two guided-missile destroyers, two helicopters and two F-18 Hornet fighter jets.

The Philippines deployed the frigate Antonio Luna, the patrol ship Andres Bonifacio, two FA-50 fighter jets and air force search and rescue vessels.

The activities “strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability,” the Philippine armed forces said.

The joint operation comes at a time when the Philippines has protested the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels inside its waters, including the 165-meter-long CCG 5901, which it calls a "monster" because of its large size.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/philippines-va-my-to-chuc-tap-tran-hang-hai-chung-o-bien-dong-post331159.html