The Philippine and US militaries recently conducted their seventh joint maritime drills in the South China Sea. This drill, meant to improve mutual collaboration and interoperability, took place in the waters off the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Zambales, avoiding any disputed maritime features.
According to an official release, the marine cooperative activity (MCA) sought to strengthen both countries’ commitment to international law and regional security. The joint drills included coordinated operations near shorelines and fire support exercises, demonstrating the increased collaboration between the two allied forces.
During the activity, the Philippine Navy deployed the newly commissioned vessel Miguel Malvar, a 118-meter guided missile frigate purchased as part of the country’s military modernisation program. The Miguel Malvar, built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, is one of two corvettes added to the Philippine naval fleet this year.
Military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States has grown greatly throughout President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidency. This strategic alignment is considered a response to China’s growing actions in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over practically all of the waters, which overlap with the exclusive economic zones of numerous Southeast Asian countries.
