Philippine Coast Guard eyes bigger role in South China Sea military drills

THE Philippine Coast Guard is looking to expand its involvement in future US-Philippine naval exercises near the South China Sea, underscoring its intent to be more integrated into joint maritime operations, Manila’s armed forces said on Tuesday.

It participated in joint naval exercises with the US near a contested shoal in the South China Sea earlier this week, the Philippine military said, marking a step toward greater interagency maritime coordination.

The exercises, the 11^th US-Philippines joint drill since 2023, took place near Scarborough Shoal, claimed by Manila as part of its exclusive economic zone but asserted by Beijing as Chinese territory.

Philippine forces deployed the guided missile cruiser BRP Antonio Luna, FA-50 light fighter jets and turboprop A-19 Super Tucanos, while the US sent the guided missile destroyer USS John Finn, which had recently sailed the Taiwan Strait, alongside a Navy helicopter, the Philippine military said in a statement.

“The successful conduct of these activities enhanced coordination, tactical proficiency and mutual understanding between allied forces, further strengthening their readiness to address maritime challenges and contribute to peace and stability in the region,” it said.

The drills underscore growing cooperation between the US and the Philippines as tensions rise over Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

In recent years, Chinese vessels have increasingly confronted Philippine ships near disputed atolls, prompting Manila to seek joint patrols and exercises with allies.

China criticized the drills as destabilizing, with Air Force Senior Colonel Tian Junli telling state-run China Military Online that Beijing had conducted a parallel patrol.

“The theater command forces will resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability,” he said.

Philippine Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad said a Chinese navy vessel was seen near the exercise area but did not take aggressive or coercive actions.

Chinese presence during joint naval drills does not affect performance during the drills, which the allies call bilateral maritime cooperative activities, he said.

The two-day drills, held on Jan. 25-26, included sea replenishment and surface warfare exercises.

Mr. Trinidad said efforts to integrate the coast guard into future military exercises would continue.

“Without announcing our activities in advance, you could expect there will also be more joint interagency activities in the future,” he said, highlighting Manila’s aim to improve coordination across civilian and military maritime agencies.

The inclusion of the coast guard reflects Manila’s strategy to strengthen its maritime capabilities in response to persistent tensions with China over contested features through which trillions of dollars in global trade flow annually.

The drills signal Manila’s intent to combine military and civilian maritime resources to safeguard national interests, a move that may influence regional dynamics as Beijing continues to assert its claims. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio