3-1-2024 (MANILA) In a move aimed at bolstering regional security, the Philippines and the United States have initiated a two-day joint patrol in the South China Sea on Wednesday, marking the second such collaborative military endeavour, as confirmed by the Philippine military in an official statement.
Romeo Brawner, the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, highlighted the significance of this joint patrol, considering it a “significant leap” in Manila’s alliance with the United States. The collaboration comes at a time when tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, with both the Philippines and China exchanging blame for a series of confrontations in the region.
Last week, Beijing issued a stern warning, asserting that it would not turn a blind eye to what it deemed as repeated “provocations and harassment” by the Philippines. Chinese state media has gone further, accusing Manila of relying on US support to consistently provoke China in the contested waters.
