Joint Patrols by Philippine and US Air Forces Amid Rising Tensions with China

On February 4, the air forces of the Philippines and the United States engaged in coordinated patrols over the South China Sea, as reported by a spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force. This operation took place in the West Philippine Sea, which is Manila's designation for areas within its exclusive economic zone, while the Philippine Air Force is keeping a watchful eye on three Chinese vessels in its maritime territories.

The joint military exercise included two Philippine FA-50 fighter jets and two American B1-B bombers, with flight operations set to cover Scarborough Shoal, a contested area controlled by China. Maria Consuelo Castillo, the spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force, clarified that these activities were routine training events and not in response to any specific situation.

Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., military engagements between the Philippines and the United States have intensified, especially against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy reported it was vigilantly tracking three vessels of the Chinese navy, including a guided missile frigate, with its spokesperson, John Percie Alcos, condemning China's naval presence as a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace.

In contrast, China’s state news outlet Xinhua reported that the movement of these Chinese naval ships is in line with international law, citing comments from a representative of the People’s Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command.