Military

Philippines and US Conduct Joint Air Patrols Over South China Sea

Published On Tue, 04 Feb 2025
Neelam Bose
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The Philippine and US air forces conducted joint patrols over the South China Sea on Tuesday (Feb 4), as Manila kept a close watch on three Chinese naval vessels operating in its maritime zones, a Philippine Air Force spokesperson confirmed. The one-day drill took place in the West Philippine Sea—Manila’s term for the portion of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone—according to Philippine Air Force spokesperson Maria Consuelo Castillo.
The exercise involved two Philippine FA-50 fighter jets and two US B1-B bombers, flying over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which is controlled by China. Castillo emphasized that the drills were part of routine training rather than a direct response to any specific issue. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., security cooperation between the Philippines and the US has intensified, particularly amid growing tensions with Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy reported that it was closely monitoring three Chinese warships, including a Jiangkai-class guided missile frigate, within Manila’s maritime zones. Navy spokesperson John Percie Alcos accused China of disregarding international law and destabilizing regional peace. However, China’s state news agency Xinhua cited the PLA’s Southern Theater Command, stating that the Chinese fleet’s passage was in accordance with international law.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.