August 5, 2025

In a significant display of military cooperation, India and the Philippines executed their inaugural joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, an action that has drawn sharp criticism from China. This high-profile event took place over two days, beginning on a Sunday, and concluded successfully according to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, General Romeo Brawner. The joint exercises included naval sails and training activities aimed at fostering closer ties between the two democracies in a region marked by geopolitical tensions. During the drills, Philippine forces reported that they were shadowed by Chinese navy ships, specifically two vessels, including a guided-missile destroyer, positioned approximately 25 nautical miles from one of the participating Philippine navy frigates. Even though there were no notable incidents that jeopardized the exercises, Brawner acknowledged the presence of Chinese ships as an expected outcome. The Chinese military's Southern Theater Command responded to the joint exercises by conducting routine patrols in the South China Sea. It condemned the Philippines' move to engage in military partnerships with external nations, asserting that such actions undermine regional peace and stability. Additionally, China’s Foreign Ministry underscored that disputes related to territorial claims should be resolved directly by the involved parties without interference from outsiders. These naval exercises are set against a backdrop of long-standing territorial disputes between China and both the Philippines and India. China maintains expansive claims over the South China Sea, a crucial global trade route, leading to confrontations not only with the Philippines but also with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Furthermore, the Philippines has a treaty alliance with the United States and collaborates with other allies, including Japan, Australia, and France, to ensure freedom of navigation in contested waters. The ongoing cooperation with India was highlighted by Brawner as a strategic move to strengthen the Philippine military’s capabilities and enhance regional deterrence. He emphasized the necessity of modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and aligning with like-minded nations to counter aggressive actions that threaten stability in the region. During a formal reception on an Indian navy vessel, the INS Shakti, Brawner articulated that the ship's visit to Manila was not merely ceremonial. He stated that it symbolizes a strong partnership and commitment between the two nations, reinforcing their dedication to maritime security and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region, which is viewed as crucial for maintaining balance in a geopolitically sensitive area. In support of these developments, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos embarked on a five-day state visit to India, scheduled for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials focusing on enhancing defense, trade and investments, as well as partnerships in agriculture, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. This visit underscores the Philippines’ intention to deepen its ties with India. Amid these diplomatic maneuvers, China’s Ministry of National Defense labeled the Philippines as a “troublemaker,” accusing it of aligning with foreign powers to provoke tensions in what China claims as its territory. In response, Brawner has asserted the need for the Philippines to bolster its military capabilities to deter any potential conflicts in the region. In conclusion, the first joint naval exercises between India and the Philippines signify a critical shift towards enhanced military collaboration in the South China Sea amidst rising tensions with China. Both nations seem committed to promoting regional stability and security, aware of the complex geopolitical landscape they navigate.

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Tags: India, Philippines, Naval exercises, South china sea, China, Military cooperation,