The naval forces from the Philippines, Australia, and Canada conducted a joint patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday, an area where tensions have escalated following a collision involving two Chinese vessels last week.
Participating in the operation were the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec, as stated by a Philippine military officer, who clarified that the operation was not directed against any particular nation.
Colonel Dennis Fernandez informed a media briefing, “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,” further noting that the joint sail was occurring within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
This exercise, which commenced on Sunday in the western province of Oriental Mindoro and is set to conclude in Palawan, forms part of the ongoing military drills between the Philippines and Australia.
The 15-day combined exercises, referred to as ALON (a Filipino word meaning ‘wave’), began on August 15 and encompass amphibious and land operations, along with live fire training designed to enhance the collaborative capabilities of the two forces.
This year’s iteration represents the largest combined operation to date, involving 3,600 troops from both nations, supplemented by a contingent from the Canadian Navy and US Marines.
ALON was initiated in 2023, coinciding with the elevation of Australia and the Philippines’ relationship to a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the increasing security challenges in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, which sees $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce.
Manila seeks to enhance the frequency of joint sails with international partners, as stated by Philippine navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad to reporters, who emphasized that such activities are instrumental in deterring China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
Since late 2023, the Philippines has engaged in “maritime cooperative activities” with allies, including joint passages with its treaty ally, the United States.
