Story perspectives

Philippines, US, Japan Conduct Naval Drill Amid Chinese Presence

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 26, 2026, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States completed a four-day naval drill at the Bashi Channel, expanding activity beyond the South China Sea.
The exercise occurred under Philippines’ Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity to boost interoperability for a free Indo-Pacific.
Capt. Jennifer Monforte emphasized drill should not be provocative, despite two Chinese navy ships' presence.
Philippine military conducted air patrols with U.S. and Japanese aircraft over Batanes.

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Story summary

On February 26, 2026, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States completed a four-day naval drill at the Bashi Channel, expanding activity beyond the South China Sea.
The exercise occurred under Philippines’ Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity to boost interoperability for a free Indo-Pacific.
Capt. Jennifer Monforte emphasized drill should not be provocative, despite two Chinese navy ships' presence.
Philippine military conducted air patrols with U.S. and Japanese aircraft over Batanes.