PH-US joint exercises in West Philippine Sea are part of legitimate defense readiness efforts and not acts of provocation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified following China’s accusation that the Philippines is creating “disturbances” in the disputed waters.
The AFP emphasized that the Philippines is merely exercising its sovereign rights within its own maritime domain, including territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
In a statement, the AFP said that the joint air drills with the United States, which will continue until May 9, are focused on maritime domain awareness and defense preparedness.
The military stressed that the exercises are in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and are centered on responsible, progressive defense measures.
The AFP added that the country’s longstanding alliance with the United States reflects shared values and a mutual commitment to maintaining peace, security, and a rules-based international order.
It also asserted that the Philippines is a sovereign state, and no foreign power has the right to dictate how it defends its territory or whom it partners with.
The joint air patrol conducted by the Philippine and US air forces on Tuesday is part of ongoing bilateral defense cooperation, underscoring both nations’ resolve to uphold regional stability in the West Philippine Sea.