Philippines and US Naval Forces Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in South China Sea.

On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy conducted a joint Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) while transiting the South China Sea, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. This operation saw a formation of significant naval assets from both countries, including the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and key vessels from the Philippine Navy, such as the Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151). The exercise also involved the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) from the U.S. Navy, as well as the Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PS 17).
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The U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) sails in formation with the Philippine Navy Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PS 17). (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

This joint exercise highlights the continuing effort to strengthen the operational integration of the U.S. and Philippine navies. The MCA focuses on refining joint tactics, enhancing interoperability, and bolstering the effectiveness of both forces in responding to emerging challenges in the South China Sea. Through synchronized drills, maneuvers, and real-time coordination, the two nations worked to enhance their combined maritime capabilities, ensuring they can seamlessly operate together in future contingencies. "The Maritime Cooperative Activity is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and readiness in the Indo-Pacific," said a senior U.S. Navy official. "It is a clear demonstration of the commitment between the U.S. and the Philippines to maintain a free and open maritime environment."

The South China Sea remains one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world. It is a major international shipping route, with an estimated $3.4 trillion worth of goods passing through annually, and rich in natural resources, including oil and gas reserves. In fact, approximately one-third of global maritime trade, including energy shipments, passes through these waters. This makes it a crucial chokepoint for global commerce. Additionally, the region is home to valuable undersea mineral deposits and potential energy resources that are contested by several nations, notably China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

However, it is also a flashpoint for geopolitical tension due to competing territorial claims, particularly over the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands. The ongoing militarization of artificial islands by China, with military installations, airstrips, and radar systems, has heightened concerns among other regional players. This has led to growing anxiety over the potential for conflict, as nations in the region, including the Philippines, seek to safeguard their maritime rights and access to resources. For the U.S. and its allies, maintaining patrols and control over the South China Sea is vital not only for securing critical sea lanes but also for asserting international law and ensuring the region remains free from coercive actions by any single power.

By conducting this Maritime Cooperative Activity in the heart of the South China Sea, the U.S. and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international maritime law and ensuring that this critical global trade route remains open and free from coercion. This exercise not only boosts the bilateral ties between the two nations but also sends a strong signal to regional actors that both nations stand united against any attempts to disrupt the freedom of navigation in the area. Patrol and control of the South China Sea is essential for ensuring that no single country can unilaterally impose its will over international waters or impede global trade.

The exercise also aims to increase operational readiness in complex maritime environments. Both the U.S. and Philippine forces have been working closely to enhance their joint training programs, allowing for improved coordination in future operations. Such activities range from humanitarian aid missions to potential maritime security interventions. This MCA provided an opportunity for U.S. and Philippine naval forces to engage in a variety of real-world tactical operations, including formation sailing, communication procedures, and defense drills. The U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group ONE, which is currently conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, served as a key asset during this exercise, showcasing the extensive capabilities of the U.S. naval forces.

The exercise is part of a broader U.S.-Philippine defense collaboration that has been growing in importance over the years. With the increasing militarization of the South China Sea by China and ongoing territorial disputes, it is more critical than ever for the U.S. and the Philippines to present a united front. The MCA reflects the shared strategic goals of both nations, particularly in securing a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. The presence of both U.S. and Philippine warships in the South China Sea also reaffirms the enduring strength of the mutual defense agreement between the two countries. This exercise plays an essential role in promoting peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the commitment of both nations to ensuring the security of the Indo-Pacific.

The Maritime Cooperative Activity conducted on January 17, 2025, between the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy marks another significant step in the strengthening of bilateral defense ties. Through this exercise, both navies have enhanced their readiness, interoperability, and tactical effectiveness while further affirming their commitment to preserving peace and security in the South China Sea. As regional tensions persist, these joint operations are a testament to the unwavering partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines and their shared resolve to maintain a free, open, and secure maritime environment.