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The United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines have conducted joint air and naval exercises in the South China Sea.
What’s the deal? According to the US Indo-Pacific Command, the naval and air forces of the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Canada conducted coordinated drills in the South China Sea. These exercises focused on enhancing cooperation and included joint sea passage maneuvers, communication drills, and anti-submarine warfare within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Our combined forces are joining together in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone for a major training event, the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity. Navies and air forces from four different countries will work side by side to improve cooperation and ensure our region… pic.twitter.com/izFSnvxgKZ
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) August 7, 2024
China conducts drills: While the four countries were conducting their drills, China held military exercises near the Scarborough Shoal, about 150 miles from Luzon in the Philippines. According to the Chinese Military, these drills and “combat [air] patrols” tested their strike capabilities. The Military added, “All military activities that disrupt the South China Sea, create hotspots, and undermine regional peace and stability are all being controlled to the best extent.”
Digging Deeper: The drills come amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea with its “nine-dash line,” which overlaps with the Philippines’ internationally recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These overlapping claims have led to confrontations at sea, affecting freedom of navigation. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines and invalidating China’s extensive claims, Beijing refuses to acknowledge the decision and continues to assert its dominance, leading to ongoing maritime disputes and heightened military tensions.
US Statement: After the drills involving Australia, Canada, the United States, and the Philippines concluded, the top military leaders from each country released a joint statement saying, “Our four nations reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute.”
