The Philippines and the United States held joint air patrols over the South China Sea, which angered China. The exercise aimed to enhance operational coordination between the two air forces amidst rising tensions over territorial claims. China conducted a concurrent routine patrol and accused the Philippines of undermining regional stability while the Philippine navy monitored Chinese naval activities.

On Tuesday, the air forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted joint patrols over the South China Sea, provoking anger from China. This collaboration follows an increase in security measures by the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid rising tensions with Beijing over disputing territorial claims in the area.

The one-day exercise, according to Philippine air force spokesperson Maria Consuelo Castillo, occurred in the West Philippine Sea, a term used by Manila for its exclusive economic zone. The operation aimed to strengthen coordination and enhance air domain awareness between the two allies.

During the operation, three Philippine FA-50 fighter jets and two U.S. B1-B bombers flew over Scarborough Shoal, where China simultaneously conducted what it termed a routine patrol. The Chinese military accused the Philippines of engaging in activities that could undermine regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, the Philippine navy stated that it is closely monitoring the presence of three Chinese naval vessels within its maritime zones. Navy spokesperson John Percie Alcos emphasized that China’s naval presence reflects a disregard for international law and destabilizes the region’s security.

Additionally, on Monday, China’s state media claimed that the activities of its naval fleet were in accordance with international law, as reported by PLA’s Southern Theater Command. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that questioned the legitimacy of China’s claims in the area, Beijing continues to disregard this decision.

The South China Sea is a strategically significant waterway, crucial for global trade, with annual commerce worth approximately $3 trillion. Despite an international ruling favoring the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, China maintains aggressive claims to almost the entire area. Tensions have escalated between Beijing and Manila, prompting the Philippines to strengthen its military collaborations with the United States.

The joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States over the South China Sea signifies a deepening security alliance amid escalating tensions with China. Despite China’s claims and insistence on its territorial rights, the Philippines takes a stand through collaborative military actions to uphold its sovereignty and enhance regional stability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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