Manila's armed services announced on Wednesday that the Coast Guard vessels from the Philippines and United States had participated in their first joint maritime exercise with air and naval units in the contested South China Sea.

The Philippine Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard participated in the exercises held Tuesday off the coasts of Palawan and Occidental mindoro. They were joined by the U.S. Coast Guard's Cutter Stratton, as well as a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon naval patrol aircraft.

In a press release, the military stated that the "maritime cooperation activity" was the second of the year, and the sixth since the alliance began the joint activities 2023. It included communication drills as well as search and rescue scenarios.

Romeo Brawner, AFP chief, said: "Joint Activities like the MCA reaffirm the Armed Forces of the Philippines commitment to modernising their capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our nation and regional maritime interest."

The dispute over the South China Sea has strained relations between the Philippines, China and other countries. This sea is a major trade route for ships carrying more than $3 trillion in annual commerce.

China still claims the majority of this strategic waterway, despite a 2016 decision by an arbitral tribunal which found Beijing's claims to be unfounded under international law. China does not recognize the decision. (Reporting and editing by John Mair; Karen Lema)

(source: Reuters)