Joint Naval Exercise of the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea

Naval vessels from the United States and the Philippines conducted a joint exercise in parts of the South China Sea, which falls within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. According to the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during this exercise, the combat ships of both countries crossed the waters west of Palawan Island together for the first time. Reuters described the joint exercise between the United States and the Philippines as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, noting that it took place amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, which claims ownership of much of the South China Sea. The USS Ralph Johnson destroyer of the U.S. Navy and the BRP Jose Rizal frigate of the Philippine Navy participated in this exercise. Both combat vessels are equipped with guided missiles. The Philippine Army stated that the purpose of the exercise was to "provide an opportunity for the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific to test and optimize existing maritime doctrines." Manila has repeatedly complained about Beijing's "aggressive" actions in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. China has constructed militarized artificial islands in the South China Sea and claims historical sovereignty over the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. An international tribunal ruled in 2016, rejecting Beijing's claims to sovereignty over much of the South China Sea in favor of the Philippines. Previously, Carl Thomas, commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, called for addressing China's "aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea, including its coast guard's actions against a Philippine vessel, and assured the Philippines of U.S. support in facing "common challenges" in the region. Additionally, see: U.S. official: Beijing's hostile actions in the South China Sea must be responded to. The largest U.S. naval fleet, the Seventh Fleet, based in Japan, has 70 ships, about 150 aircraft, and over 27,000 sailors. The Seventh Fleet operates in an area of 124 million square kilometers around its bases in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Neighboring countries of China are concerned about Beijing's aggressive actions in the South China Sea.