Philippines, US, and Australia Conduct Joint Naval Patrol in West Philippine Sea

In a show of unity and commitment to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Philippines, the United States, and Australia carried out a joint maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea on April 28, 2025. The exercise aimed to strengthen regional security, enhance interoperability, and reaffirm the importance of freedom of navigation in one of the world's most contested waterways.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the trilateral drills involved naval assets from all three countries, including the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the US Navy’s USS Mobile (LCS-26), and the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Warramunga (FFH-152). The maritime exercise focused on communication drills, division tactics, and maneuvering operations—vital components of joint naval operations.

The West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continues to be a focal point of geopolitical tension. China’s expansive claims in the area have led to increasing confrontations with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. The recent joint exercise is seen as a direct signal of continued international support for the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its maritime territories.

“This activity demonstrates our shared commitment to deepen cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said in a statement. “Through cooperative deployments such as this, we continue to build mutual trust and enhance our ability to operate together at sea.”

The US Indo-Pacific Command echoed this message, emphasizing that the joint sail supports longstanding defense partnerships and a rules-based international order. “The United States is proud to stand with its allies and partners in maintaining peace and security in the region,” a spokesperson noted.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu also commented on the joint activity, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “The trilateral sail is a tangible example of how like-minded nations can cooperate for regional security,” she said.

This maritime activity follows a similar joint exercise conducted by the three nations in November 2023, reflecting growing defense collaboration amid China’s continued militarization and assertiveness in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been ramping up military cooperation with its allies under the Marcos administration, especially in the face of persistent maritime incursions by Chinese vessels.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año emphasized that these exercises are not directed at any specific country, but are focused on enhancing regional readiness. “Our cooperation is built on the foundations of mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence,” Año said.

Meanwhile, Beijing has criticized the joint drills, calling them “provocative” and urging foreign powers to refrain from interfering in the region.

Despite these criticisms, the Philippines remains firm in defending its maritime rights. As regional tensions remain high, such trilateral exercises highlight a growing network of alliances aimed at deterring aggression and ensuring the safety of vital sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific.