Manila: In a continued show of deepening military cooperation, the armed forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted their seventh round of joint maritime drills in the South China Sea. The latest exercise took place on Wednesday in waters off Occidental Mindoro and Zambales, deliberately avoiding areas near disputed maritime features to prevent escalating regional tensions.
The drills, described as a “Maritime Cooperative Activity” (MCA), were aimed at enhancing coordination and operational compatibility between the naval units of both nations. According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the operations included coordinated maneuvers near coastal zones and integrated fire support exercises, reinforcing the tactical capabilities of both fleets.
“The MCA underscores the unwavering commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral defense ties and uphold international maritime norms,” the AFP said in an official statement. “It serves as a demonstration of our shared determination to protect freedom of navigation and enhance our interoperability in accordance with international law.”
A highlight of the exercise was the participation of BRP Miguel Malvar, a newly commissioned 118-meter guided missile frigate. The vessel, built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, is one of two modern corvettes delivered under the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization agenda. Its deployment marks a significant upgrade in the Philippine Navy’s maritime defense capabilities.
Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., military collaboration with the United States has significantly intensified. Since taking office, Marcos has leaned firmly toward Washington, citing the growing assertiveness of China in regional waters as a pressing security concern.
The South China Sea remains a geopolitical flashpoint, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over nearly the entire maritime region. This sweeping assertion overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The continued joint exercises between the Philippines and the United States signal both nations’ resolve to push back against coercive actions and to preserve open, rules-based access to international waters. The growing number of such engagements not only boosts defense preparedness but also sends a clear message of alliance solidarity in an increasingly contested maritime environment.