Philippine and US forces conducted a joint military exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Palawan, involving the USS Mobile and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
This Maritime Cooperative Activity aimed to enhance communication and operational coordination between the two navies through various drills.
The exercise followed the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Manila, where Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with US defense chief Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Austin highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime security and regional stability, while the Philippine Navy reported an increase in Chinese vessels in the country’s waters.
The number of Chinese ships, including naval and coast guard vessels, surged following improved weather conditions after Typhoon Carina.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 2, 2024
