AFP, US conduct maritime drills in South China Sea

On January 17 to 18, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Navy conducted a bilateral maritime cooperative activity in the South China Sea.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the AFP, emphasized that such exercises are crucial for defense cooperation with the US.

The Philippine military has been increasing engagements with the US due to heightened aggression from China in the South China Sea, including the presence of a Chinese 'monster ship' near Philippine waters.

Rear Adm. Michael Wosje highlighted the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and noted that bilateral exercises have grown in scale and complexity.

Participating units included US Navy ships like the USS Carl Vinson and Philippine vessels such as the BRP Andrés Bonifacio and BRP Antonio Luna, alongside aircraft from both navies.