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Philippines, US, Japan Complete Joint South China Sea Drill

7/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Philippines, United States and Japan completed a five-day joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea from July 21-25, 2026.
Senior Captain Zhai Shichen of the PLA Southern Theater Command said the drills drew powers into the South China Sea and threatened regional peace.
U.S. Embassy Ambassador Lee Lipton said the USS George Washington, which entered the South China Sea after transiting Luzon Strait on Wednesday, upholds freedom of navigation.

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Story summary

The Philippines, United States and Japan completed a five-day joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea from July 21-25, 2026.
Senior Captain Zhai Shichen of the PLA Southern Theater Command said the drills drew powers into the South China Sea and threatened regional peace.
U.S. Embassy Ambassador Lee Lipton said the USS George Washington, which entered the South China Sea after transiting Luzon Strait on Wednesday, upholds freedom of navigation.