The Philippine military kicked off two weeks of large-scale combat drills in the South China Sea, involving over 3,000 personnel from the army, navy, and air force, aimed at preparing for potential external threats in the South China Sea. These exercises, which include live-fire drills, beach landings, and island-seizing simulations, are expected to draw close observation from China, though no hostile moves are anticipated, according to Philippine army Col. Michael Logico.
Recapture of Loaita Island
As part of the extensive combat drills in the South China Sea, Philippine forces practiced the recapture of Loaita (Kota) Island on Wednesday (October 6th). A Philippine navy frigate approached Loaita as marines and sailors landed via speedboats. An air force plane later airdropped supplies.
This marked the first drill of its kind in the contested waters. Observing the exercise from a navy frigate, Gen. Brawner emphasized the commitment of Filipino forces to defend national sovereignty at any cost.
As expected, Chinese naval vessels were observing from afar. According to Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chinese ships watching from afar “added realism” to the exercise. Chinese officials, who frequently oppose military exercises in the South China Sea, have yet to respond.
Upcoming Balikatan Excercizes
Looking ahead, next year’s U.S.-Philippines Balikatan exercises are set to be the largest to date and may include maneuvers in disputed waters, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its territorial defenses alongside its allies.
Rising Tensions in the South China Sea: A Key U.S. Foreign Policy Challenge
China’s military expansion and assertive pursuit of South China Sea claims have heightened tensions, sparking frequent clashes with the Philippines and Vietnam, and recent disputes with Indonesia and Malaysia.
The U.S., seen as a key counter to China, has backed the Philippines amid rising Chinese aggression. The region’s territorial disputes continue to be a sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations and are expected to be a central foreign policy concern for the next U.S. president.
Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez noted that safeguarding access to the South China Sea will likely stay a priority for the next U.S. president. The Biden administration has bolstered Indo-Pacific alliances to counter China, aligning with Philippine efforts to strengthen territorial defense as tensions with China have escalated since last year.
