South China Sea: US, Philippines begin largest joint military exercises

Tensions remain amongst countries against China over the highly contested South China Sea. Amidst the possible conflicts, the US and the Philippines have begun what is their largest joint military exercise.

Al Jazeera reports that thousands of US and Philippine troops are participating in what would be the largest joint military exercise between the two countries. This comes as both countries seek to be closer in the midst of tensions surrounding the South China Sea. China claims it has control of the majority of the body of water, but its claims overlap with those of the surrounding countries, including Taiwan.

9,000 Filipino and American soldiers will be participating in the 12-day training that started Monday on the main island of Luzon. The joint exercises are usually done annually but faced cancellations and delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines’ military chief General Andres Centino said during the opening ceremony that the largest round of annual joint military exercises with the US reflected the alliance between the US and the Philippines. US Major General Jay Bargeron said that the “friendship and trust” between the armed forces of both countries would allow them to “succeed together across the entire spectrum of military operations.”

The joint exercises will cover maritime security, amphibious operation, live-fire training, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

This set of military drills is the last under the administration of outgoing Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, who will be leaving office in June. Duterte has expressed concern that the Philippines would be “involved” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine because of its alliance with the US.

Back in January, the US State Department published a report finding that China’s claims of sovereignty over the majority of the body of water have no basis and signals an undermining of international law.

“For this reason, the United States and numerous other States have rejected these claims in favor of the rules-based international maritime order within the South China Sea and worldwide,” said the report.

An international tribunal in 2016 ruled against China’s claims, which Beijing has ignored and has continued to reinforce its claims over the South China Sea.