US, Japan, Philippines unite in maritime drills to bolster security in South China Sea

The United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted joint naval drills off the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, aiming to enhance crisis readiness amid rising tensions with China.

A Chinese military frigate observed the maneuvers from a distance, attempting at one point to get closer to the waters where the three allied warships and aircraft were operating. However, the Philippine Navy quickly intervened, warning the Chinese vessel over the radio to stay away, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“There was a time when they attempted to maneuver closer but, again, we challenged them,” said Philippine Navy Commander Irvin Ian Robles, speaking from the BRP Jose Rizal frigate.

The exercises, named the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, were opened to a small group of Manila-based media, marking the first time such high-seas drills had been observed by journalists since they began last year. During the daylong exercises, the BRP Jose Rizal, the US Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Shoup, and Japan’s JS Noshiro frigate sailed in formation, communicating by radio. Helicopters from the US and Philippines also participated, and US sailors transferred to the Philippine ship for discussions with their counterparts.

“We are here to support our allies and support a free and open Indo-Pacific for everyone,” US Navy Lt. Alexander Horvath said.

The drills were seen as vital for enhancing coordination, tactics, and maritime awareness. “Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” said General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The South China Sea is a critical global trade route, with China claiming almost the entire area despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating its claims. Tensions in the region have escalated, particularly between Chinese and Philippine forces. The trilateral security alliance between the US, Japan, and the Philippines has been growing in response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was in Manila for talks with Philippine leaders, emphasized the importance of strengthening security blocs to deter Chinese aggression. “The broader our alliance, the better,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva