Philippines Conducts Joint Patrols with US, Canada, and Australia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines commenced two days of joint maritime and aerial exercises with the United States, Canada, and Australia on Wednesday, as outlined in a joint statement, amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea with China.

These operations, taking place "within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone," aim to demonstrate the collective commitment of the four nations to enhance regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercises come at a time when China's aggressive posturing towards Taiwan and its claims over the South China Sea have raised concerns about a potential conflict that could involve the United States.

China asserts sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea, disregarding an international tribunal ruling that deemed its claims unfounded. 

Last week, the Philippines conducted separate naval drills in the South China Sea, first with the United States and then with Japan two days later. Additionally, a joint coast guard exercise between the Philippines and Vietnam is scheduled for Friday off Manila Bay.

The Philippines has a mutual defense treaty with the United States and recently signed an agreement with Japan that allows for troop deployments between the two nations.

This "multilateral maritime cooperative activity" marks the first joint effort among the four countries, involving both naval and air force units, according to a Filipino military spokesperson.

"The naval and air force units from the participating nations will work together to enhance cooperation and interoperability among our armed forces," the joint statement noted, without specifying the vessels and military units involved.

The statement emphasized that Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States uphold the rights to freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

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