Reuters quoted Philippine President Marcos as saying that the United States and the Philippines launched joint maritime and air patrols in the South China Sea on the 21st. Eugene Cabusao, an officer in the Philippines’ North Luzon military region, said the cruise’s location was off the coast of Mavulis, the Philippines’ northernmost island, about 100 kilometers from Taiwan.
marcus is heresocial mediaGeneral Xi Jinping called it a “major new measure” and reaffirmed the commitment of the US and Philippine militaries to enhance their cooperative combat capabilities in conducting sea and air patrols. The United States and the Philippines are allies that have concluded a mutual defense treaty. Relations between the two countries have warmed rapidly this year. The Philippines has decided to open more Philippine military bases to the US military, some of which are close to Taiwan.
Marcos recently returned from a trip to the United States. As Chinese forces approach the Philippine territorial coast, Marcos said at a forum in Hawaii that the situation in the South China Sea has become more dangerous than ever.
Reuters quoted a Philippine military statement as saying the joint US-Philippine naval and air patrol would begin in waters off the Batanes Islands north of the Philippines and move west toward the South China Sea; The Philippines will send three naval warships and two FA-50 light combat aircraft. and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The United States will send a littoral combat ship and a P9-A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
Reports suggest US-Philippine cruise could causeBeijingDissatisfied. China has warned the Philippines to avoid engaging in activities with the United States that could lead to regional tensions.Beijing in ManilaembassyThere was no immediate response to a Reuters request for comment on the cruise exercise.
Marcos has upgraded US-Philippine relations this year, but relations with Beijing have deteriorated. Recently, Chinese and Philippine ships have repeatedly encountered each other in disputed areas of the South China Sea, escalating diplomatic rhetoric between the two countries and raising concerns about escalating conflicts. ,
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