Explosive Military Collaboration: United States and Philippines Rally Allies Amid Escalating China Tensions

The US military initiated a two-week period of joint exercises with its Philippine counterparts and various international allies on Monday. This comes during a time of increasing strain between Manila and Beijing over territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.

According to a press release from the US Navy, Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama 2023 is the seventh and most extensive version of these drills. Participants from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia will be joining the US and the Philippines.

The drills off the coast of the Philippines will cover anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare, along with land phases, according to the release. "Sama Sama" is a Tagalog phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of this exercise, said Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore of the US Navy's Destroyer Squadron 7, in the release.

He stated that by working together, we can tackle a range of security threats, improve interoperability, and with more countries joining in, we can foster innovation and develop a ready, unified force that guarantees stability in the region. The stability in this area is currently endangered by conflicts between Chinese coast guard and maritime militia units and Philippine vessels near disputed areas in the South China Sea.

"By fostering collaboration and solidarity, Samasama empowers us to confront a multitude of challenges, ranging from safeguarding our territories to combating transnational crimes," stated Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, the chief of the Philippine Navy, during the inaugural event held in Manila on Monday. The remarks were reported by the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Armed Forces of the Philippines joined partners to commence the seventh iteration of exercise Sama Sama in Manila on October 2.

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During a recent interview with CNN, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. likened the actions of China in the region to those of a bullying schoolyard figure. Tensions have been heightened by recent events, such as the blocking of a Philippine military outpost's resupply by Chinese water cannons, and a Filipino diver cutting through a floating barrier set up by the Chinese. Additionally, earlier this year, the Philippine coast guard alleged that a Chinese coast guard ship aimed a "military grade" laser at its crew, causing temporary blindness.

"I cannot think of a more blatant example of bullying than this," stated Teodoro. "It's not just about someone taking your lunch money; it's about someone taking away your entire lunch bag, your chair, and even your enrollment in school."

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Philippine president pledges to defend territory, says 'not looking for trouble'

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Beijing says it is Manila thats stoking tensions.

"The ongoing maritime disputes between China and the Philippines are primarily attributed to the incessant provocation and dissemination of misinformation by the Philippine side," stated the Foreign Ministry of China in an interview with CNN.

A supply boat from the Philippines skillfully navigates around Chinese coast guard ships in an attempt to obstruct its path near Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on August 22, 2023. The release of a recent official map by China asserting its dominance over the majority of the South China Sea, as well as disputed territories in India and Russia, has caused widespread discontent in the Asia-Pacific region. Official objections to this move by China are steadily increasing. (Photo: Aaron Favila/AP, File)

Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating again, with China accusing Philippine vessels of trespassing in the Spratly Island chain. This dispute holds global significance.

China asserts its rightful control over the vast majority of the South China Sea, encompassing nearly 1.3 million square miles. This includes numerous islands and sandbars, some of which are located hundreds of miles away from mainland China. Other countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan also lay claim to portions of this area.

Sama Sama involves over 1,800 personnel from various participating nations, with many stationed on warships provided by the Philippines, the US, the UK, Japan, and Canada. The naval exercises will occur in the Philippine Naval Forces Southern Luzon region, which is headquartered on the country's Pacific coastline. This location is situated approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) southeast of Manila and about 560 miles (900 kilometers) away from the Spratly Islands, as reported by the PNA.

Sama Sama will run through October 13.