Philippine and US Air Forces Conduct Joint Patrol Over West Philippine Sea

janimonow

February 20

In a display of military cooperation and a commitment to regional peace and security, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) conducted a joint patrol over the West Philippine Sea on Monday, February 19, 2024. This operation was part of the 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), aimed at reinforcing the interoperability of both forces and asserting the Philippines' presence over its exclusive economic zone.

During the patrol, three PAF FA-50 fighter jets escorted a PACAF B-52H bomber aircraft, traversing areas from west of Ilocos Sur to the Mindoro Strait. This initiative, described as Phase 2 of the 3rd MCA, covered significant maritime areas including 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Mindoro.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized that the joint patrol underscores the dedication of both armed forces to enhancing interoperability and advancing peace and security across the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, it highlights the AFP's capability to maintain its sovereign presence over its exclusive economic zone.

This cooperative activity seeks to bolster the partnership between the Philippine and US armed forces, enhancing their air forces' interoperability. The PAF, in its statement, reiterated its commitment to supporting the AFP's endeavors in safeguarding national territory, sovereign rights, and promoting regional peace and security.

However, the joint air patrol has attracted criticism from China's military, which accused the Philippines of "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea by engaging in joint operations with "extraterritorial countries." In response, China's Southern Theater Command reported that it had organized naval and air forces to closely monitor the patrol, asserting its vigilance in defending national sovereignty.

Despite China's claims over most of the South China Sea—a claim contested by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia—an international tribunal in 2016 invalidated Beijing's claim, a ruling China rejects. This joint patrol comes amidst escalating tensions between China and the Philippines, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The AFP and PAF have responded to criticisms by emphasizing that the operation falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and is not directed at any country. They also stated that future Maritime Cooperative Activities are planned with the US and other like-minded nations to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.