Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President of the Philippines speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/ File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights Summary
Patrols start in northernmost Philippine island near Taiwan
US, Philippines deploy combat, surveillance planes, navy ships
Manila beefs up U.S. ties this year as relations with China sour
MANILA, Nov 21 (Reuters) – The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.
Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some facing Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April.
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This week’s three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a “significant initiative” to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.”I am confident this … will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people,” he said on social media platform X.The drill would start off in Mavulis island, the Philippines’ northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command.Advertisement · Scroll to continueIt will end in the West Philippine Sea, the name Manila uses for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).The Philippine military said three navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft and a A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate, while the United States would send a littoral combat ship and a P8-A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.Advertisement · Scroll to continueThe news comes a day after Marcos told a forum in Hawaii the situation […]
Click here to visit source. Philippines launches joint sea, air patrols with U.S. military