Joint Sail in South China Sea Signals Deeper Military Tores

An Australian Navy destroyer joined ships from the Philippines and Canada for a joint sail in the South China Sea, a flashpoint area after a collision between two Chinese vessels last week. The Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, the Australian ship HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec participated in the operation, which a Philippine military official said was not directed at any country.

Our activity is based on the premise that the exercise is anchored on the free and open Indo-Pacific, with peace and prosperity in the region, said Colonel Dennis Fernandez, noting the joint sail occurred within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Australian Navy described the joint sail as a demonstration of the strength of Australia’s security relationship with the Philippines.

Last month China criticized Australia after it conducted another joint exercise in the South China Sea, accusing Canberra of trying to create trouble. In the weeks ahead, HMAS Brisbane will join additional regional exercises, including some with the United States Marine Corps. The navy stated that the exercises aim to train, exchange practices, and strengthen future cooperation. The joint sail began Sunday off the western province of Oriental Mindoro and will finish in Palawan.

Known as ALON, a Filipino word for wave, the 15-day drills started on August 15 and include amphibious and land operations as well as live-fire exercises to bolster two militaries’ ability to work together.

This year’s iteration is the largest yet, with about 3,600 troops from the two nations plus a Canadian Navy contingent and U.S. Marines taking part. ALON began in 2023, the same year Australia and the Philippines elevated their ties to a strategic partnership to address rising regional security challenges, including in the South China Sea.

Philippine Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said Manila aims to increase the frequency of joint sails with foreign partners, arguing that such activities help deter China’s aggression in the South China Sea.