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Philippines, US, Japan Launch Joint Drills Amid China Tensions

2/28/2026

42 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Philippines, the United States, and Japan conducted joint exercises over the Bashi Channel, marking the first expansion of Maritime Cooperative Activities beyond the South China Sea.
The drills aimed to boost capabilities amid tensions with China, which criticized the collaboration.
The United States military expressed regret for not notifying the Republic of Korea in advance about an air force drill that nearly caused a standoff with China.

History

Historical Context

The Visiting Forces Agreement, signed in 1991 between the Philippines and the United States, enabled extensive military cooperation, with over 300,000 U.S. troops stationed during the Cold War. Recent joint exercises in the Bashi Channel highlight the enduring strategic partnership amid rising tensions with China, emphasizing the significance of regional alliances in addressing security challenges in the contested South China Sea.

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Story summary

The Philippines, the United States, and Japan conducted joint exercises over the Bashi Channel, marking the first expansion of Maritime Cooperative Activities beyond the South China Sea.
The drills aimed to boost capabilities amid tensions with China, which criticized the collaboration.
The United States military expressed regret for not notifying the Republic of Korea in advance about an air force drill that nearly caused a standoff with China.

1 / 2