Philippine President Marcos Announces Joint Patrols with US Military in South China Sea

Joint Patrols in South China Sea Begin

MANILA – In a joint effort to address growing concerns over China’s maritime expansion, Philippine President Marcos announced on November 21 that Philippine and US military forces have commenced joint patrols in the sea and airspace of the South China Sea. This move comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with President Marcos describing the initiative as “important” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The decision to strengthen military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States reflects a shared commitment to addressing the increasingly volatile situation in the South China Sea. President Marcos also highlighted the escalating nature of the issue, stating in a recent forum in Hawaii that the situation in the South China Sea was “more serious than before,” with Chinese troops moving closer to the Philippine coast.

The joint patrols are set to take place off the coast of Mabris Island, at the northern tip of the Philippines. Additionally, the number of bases available to the US military has been doubled in response to the growing concerns in the region.

The announcement of joint patrols in the South China Sea further underlines the evolving dynamics of regional security, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical challenges posed by China’s maritime expansion.

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On November 21, Philippine President Marcos announced that the Philippine military and the US military began joint patrols in the sea and airspace of the South China Sea. Photograph taken on the 15th in San Francisco (2023, Reuters/Carlos Barria)

MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Marcos announced on the 21st that Philippine and US forces have begun joint patrols in the sea and airspace of the South China Sea.

The Philippines and the United States have strengthened military cooperation this year with China’s maritime expansion in mind. The number of bases available to the US military has been doubled.

President Marcos posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the joint patrol was an “important initiative.”

The joint patrol will take place off the coast of Mabris Island, the northern tip of the Philippines.

The previous day, Marcos said in a forum in Hawaii that the situation in the South China Sea was “more serious than before” and that Chinese troops were moving closer to the Philippine coast.

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