Manila: India and the Philippines have embarked on their inaugural joint naval exercises in the contested waters of the South China Sea, marking a significant step in their growing military cooperation. The Filipino military confirmed the development on Monday, coinciding with the departure of 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 patrols began on Sunday afternoon and are currently ongoing, with activities including replenishment at sea, as stated by Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Salgado to Agence France Presse. The Philippines has deployed two frigates for these exercises, underscoring the strategic importance of this collaboration.
The cooperation between India and the Philippines is poised to unsettle China, which asserts its claim over the entire South China Sea. Addressing potential Chinese reactions, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Romeo Brawner noted that while they did not encounter any adverse incidents, their vessels were shadowed—an expected response. Brawner expressed satisfaction with the patrols thus far and conveyed aspirations for further joint military maneuvers with India in the future.
The Philippines has been actively enhancing its military alliances following several confrontations with China in the disputed regions. China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, through which approximately $3 trillion worth of goods are transported annually. Additionally, China is engaged in a longstanding border dispute with India in the Himalayas.
Recently, China labeled the Philippines a “troublemaker,” accusing it of collaborating with foreign entities to incite discord in what China considers its territorial waters. Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to defending its national sovereignty and maritime rights, warning of decisive countermeasures against any Philippine provocations.