Philippines, US forces drill in South China Sea

Philippine and U.S. Coast Guard vessels conducted joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the South China Sea for the first time. The exercises, held Tuesday near Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, included communication drills and search-and-rescue scenarios, involving Philippine and U.S. military assets. This "maritime cooperative activity" is the second this year and sixth overall since 2023. The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated the drills aim to modernize capabilities and strengthen defense partnerships to secure national and regional maritime interests.