THITU ISLAND, South China Sea — On Wednesday, Philippine forces successfully reclaimed an island in the South China Sea during a significant combat exercise in the region, which is marked by territorial disputes. The exercise was closely observed by Chinese naval ships stationed a distance away, as noted by the chief of the Philippine military.

General Romeo Brawner Jr. monitored the operations from a Philippine navy frigate. He emphasized that these exercises highlighted the commitment of the Philippine forces to assert the nation’s sovereignty and readiness to defend it against any external threats. Brawner conveyed a strong message to neighboring countries, asserting, “We are capable of defending our islands.”

While there was no immediate reaction from Chinese officials regarding these exercises, it’s known that China has previously expressed its discontent over military drills in the South China Sea, an area it claims nearly in its entirety. The ongoing territorial disputes serve as a sensitive aspect of the broader U.S.-China rivalry in Asia and are expected to remain a significant focus of foreign policy for the next U.S. administration.

In recent years, China has significantly boosted its military presence in the South China Sea, growing more aggressive in asserting its territorial claims. This has resulted in heightened confrontations primarily involving the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as occasional disputes with Indonesia and Malaysia involving the Chinese coast guard.

During the Philippine drills, a navy frigate approached Loaita Island (known as Kota Island in the Philippines), followed by four speedboats carrying marines and navy personnel who landed on the shore. An aircraft from the Philippine Air Force later supplied the troops with food and essential resources as they claimed the island.

Brawner remarked that the presence of Chinese naval ships observing the exercise contributed to the realism of the operations being conducted. The United States plays a critical role in balancing China’s influence in the region and has expressed support for the Philippines in the face of Chinese assertiveness.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, continued U.S. backing for free navigation in the South China Sea, a vital route for global trade and security, is likely to be a key interest for the next U.S. president. The administration of President Biden has sought to enhance military alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific region in order to better respond to challenges posed by China, particularly in the context of potential conflicts over Taiwan. This strategy aligns with the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its own territorial defense following increased tensions with China beginning last year.