Philippines And U.S. Continue Joint Maritime Activities In South China Sea

From January 17th to 18th, for the first time in 2025 and the fifth time in history, the Philippines and the United States conducted joint maritime activity in the South China Sea. The United States Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines carried out “bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA),” as described by navy.gov, seeing the participation of multiple vessels sailing together and highlighting the shared commitment of both nations to keeping the region stable. 

In a statement, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1), said, “Professional engagement with allies, partners, and friends in the region allows us to build upon our existing, strong relationships and continue to learn from each other…The U.S. and the Philippines are ironclad allies. As fellow maritime nations, we share the common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific, assuring access to the seas.” The continuation of bilateral activities emphasizes the U.S.’s commitment to remaining a relevant player in that region. These activities are likely to “irk China,” according to Reuters, as the South China Sea is a region that is heavily contested, with overlapping territorial claims from several nations – including China.  

These exercises underscore a broader competition between the U.S. and China. This competition in the Indo-Pacific region is only a part of the larger struggle for economic, political, and military dominance. Both nations are always seeking to expand their international influence, in Asia and beyond. The U.S., by cooperating with the Philippines, has established its hold on a region where China could otherwise impose their sovereignty on smaller Asian nations. This could lead to conflict in the long run, however, if the U.S. is not careful with how they conduct activities in the region.   

The South China Sea is a significant and rich body of water in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by several nations such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It is extremely valuable economically, as it is one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, is abundant in fish, and is believed to hold an extensive amount of oil and natural gas reserves. Due to this, the South China Sea has been a hub for international disputes. The Council of Foreign Relations explains that China has had “sweeping claims of sovereignty over the sea.” The Chinese government legally bases its claim on artifacts from the Ming Dynasty found on the shores of the South China Sea, while the other nations have staked a claim on certain islands in the sea. China’s expansive “nine-dash line” conflicts with the economic zones of its neighboring countries under international law. The South China Sea is a region fraught with tension, not just economic, but political as well, especially concerning issues of sovereignty.  

The M.C.A.s between the Philippines and the U.S. are a reminder of the importance of alliances in maintaining peace and security. The continuation of multilateral initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and miscalculating an escalation with China could be detrimental. The South China Sea represents global power shifts and is likely to set an example for how the international community handles future territorial disputes.  

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