Khaberni - The armed forces in Manila said on Tuesday that the Philippine and American armies conducted joint exercises in a disputed shallow water area in the South China Sea this week, to enhance the operational compatibility between the allies.
The joint sailing occurred around the Scarborough coral and rocky islands in the waters of the South China Sea, which are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, and China also claims them. This was the "eleventh maritime cooperation activity" that the United States and the Philippines have participated in since November 2023.
The Philippine armed forces stated in a statement: "The successful implementation of these activities has enhanced coordination, tactical efficiency, and mutual understanding between the allied forces."
Military cooperation between the two countries has escalated under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has moved closer to Washington in response to the growing presence of Beijing forces in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
