Manila: India and the Philippines have embarked on their inaugural joint naval exercises in the contentious waters of the South China Sea, as confirmed by the Filipino military on Monday. This development coincides with the departure of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos for a state visit to New Delhi, where discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are anticipated.
According to Deutsche Welle, the joint naval patrols commenced with the deployment of two frigates by the Philippines. Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Salgado informed the news agency Agence France Press that the patrol “started yesterday afternoon, then it’s ongoing up to this moment… the activity at the moment is replenishment at sea.” This cooperation is likely to cause friction with China, which asserts comprehensive sovereignty over the South China Sea.
China’s response to the joint naval exercises has been one of concern. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Romeo Brawner, mentioned that while there were no untoward incidents during the patrols, they were “still shadowed,” an outcome that was anticipated. Brawner declared the patrols a success and expressed optimism for further military engagements with India in the future.
The Philippines has been actively enhancing its military partnerships with various allies following multiple confrontations with China over the disputed regions. China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea overlap with maritime zones claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The region holds significant strategic importance, with approximately $3 trillion-worth of goods transported through it annually.
In the context of regional tensions, China has previously labeled Manila a “troublemaker” for its alliances with foreign forces. Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang reaffirmed China’s determination to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, warning of “resolute countermeasures against any provocations by the Philippine side” during a recent news conference.