The Philippines continues to strengthen its defense strategies against China’s growing military presence in the region. In January 2025, the US and the Philippines conducted a joint patrol and air response exercise in the Scarborough Shoal, where China fired flares to drive away a Philippine aircraft last year. The exercises, which involve air forces, aim to increase military cooperation between the two countries and counter China’s military influence in the region.
Tensions with China: Rising Tensions at Scarborough Shoal
Last year, Chinese Air Force aircraft interfered with a Philippine Air Force aircraft’s patrol over the Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese aircraft flew close to the Philippine aircraft and fired flares in its path, an action that was strongly condemned by the Philippine government. At the time, all crew members on the Philippine Air Force aircraft escaped unharmed. The incident has once again brought tensions in disputed areas in the South China Sea to the forefront.
Objectives of the Joint Exercise and Participants
The joint patrol and exercise between the US and the Philippines was organized to prepare for such threats. Philippine Air Force SözcüThe drill involved two U.S. B-1 bombers and three Philippine FA-50 fighter jets, said Maria Consuelo Castillo, a senior military officer. The drill included practice on how to intercept enemy aircraft. Castillo said the focus of the exercise was to enhance operational coordination, improve airspace awareness and strengthen agile combat use capabilities between the two air forces.
The US Role in the Region and China's Reactions
The US aims to support its allies in the region against China’s growing military presence. The US military has carried out such military deployments to promote freedom of navigation and overflight with fighter jets and naval vessels against China’s air maneuvers in the disputed region. China, on the other hand, has reacted strongly to US military activities in the region, arguing that they endanger regional security. The Philippines, on the other hand, continues to support US defenses in the region against China.
The So-Called Borders Between China and the Philippines
The Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines calls Bajo de Masinloc and China calls Huangyan Island, has been at the center of escalating confrontations between China and the Philippines in recent years. The area is a key route for global trade and security, as well as a maritime chokepoint where Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan also have territorial claims. The maritime tussle between China and the Philippines has been fueling military tensions between the two countries.
Defense Reserve of the Philippines
Philippine Air Force SözcüCastillo said that the allied forces are prepared for all kinds of possibilities against the threats of Chinese aircraft. The Philippines aims to counter China's aggressive displays by strengthening its military presence in the region. Castillo said, "We are always prepared for all kinds of possibilities, this is part of the training," emphasizing the Philippines' defense determination.
Washington's Defense Pledge
The US has pledged to defend the Philippines, its oldest ally in the region. The US has pledged to intervene against any armed attack by China on Philippine forces. This shows that the strategic partnership and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the US are of great importance to the security balance in the region.
The joint exercises between the Philippines and the US are part of a concerted effort to combat military tensions in the South China Sea and to protect their strategic positions in the region. The Philippines is determined to defend its sovereign rights in the region against China’s growing military influence. US support and strong allied relations in the region are an important counterbalance to these tensions.
