The United States and Australia have joined the Philippines for their second joint naval exercise this year in the South China Sea, amid tensions with China in the disputed waterway. The Philippine military said on Monday that the four-day drills, which lasted from April 9 to 12, featured warships, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft in a series of coordinated operations to enhance maritime defense capabilities. In a statement, it added that the exercises "confirm the deepening defense cooperation among the three nations and their shared commitment to regional security." The Philippines deployed its FA-50 fighter jets, Australia contributed P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and the United States participated with the USS Ashland landing ship. These drills came ahead of the annual large-scale military exercises, "Balikatan" or "shoulder-to-shoulder," scheduled to begin on April 20 between Manila and Washington. For the first time, Japan will participate as a full member rather than an observer, alongside Australia. The Philippines and China have traded accusations over a series of incidents in the South China Sea, including a recent incident where Beijing dropped illuminating bombs on a Philippine Coast Guard plane. Beijing routinely opposes Manila's joint military activities with its allies in the South China Sea, stating that such drills increase tensions in the region.
