US and Philippines Resume Joint Patrols in South China Sea to Curb China's Expanding Influence

The Philippines has resumed joint patrols with the United States in the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with China.

South China Sea Conflict between China and the Philippines
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media including AFP on the 21st, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced that the two countries' militaries began maritime and aerial patrols in the South China Sea on that day.

President Marcos said the joint patrols are scheduled to last for three days and explained, "It is significant as evidence that the two militaries are keeping their promise to enhance interoperability." He added, "Through joint patrols, we aim to strengthen regional security and develop a partnership with the United States."

According to the Philippine military, the joint patrols between the two countries started from Mabudis Island in Batanes Province, the northernmost part of the Philippines, about 100 km from Taiwan. The Philippines deployed three naval vessels, two FA-50 fighter jets, and A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft for this patrol. The United States dispatched a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft for the patrol.

China and the Philippines have clashed over the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. China claims 90% of the area within the U-shaped nine-dash line in the South China Sea as its territorial waters. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) rejected this claim by China in 2016, but China continues to insist on its territorial claims, causing friction with neighboring countries.

The United States and the Philippines have maintained an alliance for over 70 years and have conducted joint patrols in the South China Sea. However, joint patrols between the two countries were suspended in 2016 when former President Rodrigo Duterte showed a pro-China stance. His successor, President Marcos, has been working to strengthen the alliance with the United States since taking office in June last year.

President Marcos attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in San Francisco, USA, and then visited Hawaii the day before, where he stated his intention to strengthen cooperation with the United States and neighboring countries regarding the South China Sea dispute.