PH, Australia, Canada conclude naval drills near Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines, Australia, and Canada concluded joint naval exercises, Exercise ALON (wave) 2025, near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The drills involved the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec.

China's Ministry of National Defense claimed the Philippines is a "troublemaker" and "instigator" in the South China Sea.

China accused Manila of "courting influence from outside powers to make waves" and jeopardizing regional security.

The Philippines, in turn, rejected China's claims, stating that the South China Sea should be a sea of peace, cooperation, and friendship.

These naval exercises, which lasted nearly two weeks and began off Palawan province, underscore the commitment of the participating nations to enhancing defense cooperation and maintaining regional stability.

The Scarborough Shoal is located 124 nautical miles west of mainland Zambales, well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but has been under Beijing's control since 2012.