MANILA, Philippines — On Friday, the United States dispatched a reconnaissance aircraft, while Japan and the Philippines deployed navy vessels as part of a joint mission in the contested South China Sea. This operation took place just two days after the allied forces denounced aggressive actions taken by Chinese coast guard ships against Philippine patrol vessels.
According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the joint patrol was carried out within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The primary aim was to “uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight,” along with “other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace.” These statements reflect the stance of the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines as they respond to China’s increasingly assertive behavior in these disputed waters.
Two security officials from the Philippines noted that the patrol was conducted approximately 40 nautical miles (about 74 kilometers) from Scarborough Shoal, an area of contention between Beijing and Manila located off the northwestern coast of the Philippines. These officials requested anonymity as they were not authorized to reveal specifics about the operation publicly.
China lays claim to almost the entire South China Sea and has taken a vigorous approach in patrolling these waters using its coast guard, navy, and suspected militia fleets. These actions have led to confrontations with other claimant nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Indonesia has also encountered Chinese coast guard ships escorting fishermen within the gas-rich Natuna Sea, located in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.
The recent joint naval patrol, which represents a continuation of collaborative efforts by the Philippines, the U.S., and their partners, was postponed due to the impact of several typhoons in the region. The endeavor did not directly result from a confrontation on Wednesday involving Chinese and Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, as per the statements of the two Philippine officials.
Recently, the Philippine coast guard reported that Chinese vessels, supported by their navy, utilized powerful water cannons and engaged in aggressive maneuvers that obstructed and collided with a significantly smaller Philippine bureau of fisheries vessel. This Philippine boat was transporting fuel, food, and supplies to local fishermen in Scarborough Shoal, a site under tight surveillance by the Chinese coast guard following a tense territorial dispute in 2012.
In response to the Chinese actions, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs lodged an official protest. Conversely, the Chinese coast guard provided an alternate narrative, claiming that the Philippine vessels had entered Chinese territory, which prompted a defensive response. They asserted, without substantiation, that a Philippine vessel’s maneuvers led to a collision.
The increase in hostilities has raised alarms among the United States, Japan, the European Union, and other Western allies since last year. Japan, which is also entangled in territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea, emphasized that the use of water cannons and obstructive tactics endangers the safety of both ships and crew. Japan’s ambassador to Manila, Kazuya Endo, stated, “Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions.”
This year, Japan has committed to providing 1.6 billion yen (equivalent to $10.6 million) in security assistance to enhance the capability of the Philippine navy. This aid includes providing coastal radars, inflatable boats, and other defense equipment aimed at improving surveillance in Philippine sea lanes, notably within the South China Sea. Additionally, Japan has contributed to boosting the aerial surveillance radar used by the Philippine air force, as confirmed by both nations.
Furthermore, the U.S. has asserted that it is obliged to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally, should Philippine forces come under attack in the South China Sea. This defense commitment has garnered robust bipartisan support in Washington, which Philippine officials believe will persist under the upcoming administration.
