The U.S. and Philippine navies performed a joint maritime drill within the South China Sea on Wednesday amid rising tensions with China within the area, the Philippine Armed Forces mentioned.
The train was held contained in the Philippine unique financial zone, within the waters west of Palawan. It featured the USS Mobile (LCS 26) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), mentioned a army assertion.
The drill included a communications verify train, division techniques, officer-of-the-watch maneuver train, photographic train, and cross-deck train.
“The primary objective of this activity is to strengthen the interoperability and cooperative capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy,” the assertion added.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of employees of the Philippine Armed Forces, mentioned: “These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests.”
The newest train comes a day after U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held so-called 2+2 talks with their Philippine counterparts in Manila on Tuesday.
Washington additionally pledged $500 million to beef up Manila’s army and coast guard.
Source: www.anews.com.tr