Missiles fired off the coast of the northern Philippines on Sunday as US and Filipino forces launched their first integrated air defence drills, just hours after China announced it had seized control of a disputed reef in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and China have been locked in months of confrontations over the South China Sea — a region Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international tribunal ruling that invalidated its expansive claims.
This year’s “Balikatan” exercises feature around 17,000 personnel and simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” as the long-time treaty allies aim to bolster deterrence against China’s growing ambitions in the disputed waterway.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported Saturday that China’s coast guard had “implemented maritime control” over Tiexian Reef, also known as Sandy Cay, earlier this month.
The small sandbank, part of the Spratly Islands, lies close to Thitu Island (Pag-asa), which houses a Philippine military facility.
The Philippine government has not yet officially responded to Beijing’s claim.
In coastal Zambales province, north of Manila, AFP journalists witnessed the US Marine Corps’ new MADIS short-range air defence system shoot down two drones during a coastal defence exercise.
The MADIS worked alongside the Philippines’ SPYDER missile system, jointly defending against simulated cruise missile attacks.
“MADIS is short-range. SPYDER is more of a medium-range capability (and they) both engaged different threats,”
said Matthew Sladek, commander of the US 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion.“The more we work together, that only … enhances our collective lethality.”
Rising Tensions Over South China Sea
Chinese warships have been increasingly active in waters near the Philippines since the start of the Balikatan drills last week.
On April 22, the aircraft carrier Shandong was detected about 2.23 nautical miles (roughly four kilometres) southwest of Babuyan Island in the far north of the Philippines, according to the Philippine Navy.
On Sunday, the Navy reported that three additional Chinese vessels were spotted approximately 60 kilometres from Zambales.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a recent speech in Manila, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment, saying the US is “doubling down” on its alliance with the Philippines, particularly in light of “threats from the Communist Chinese.”
Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticised the Balikatan exercises, calling them a threat to regional peace and stability.
The exercises will continue Monday, with US and Filipino troops simulating a defence against an enemy landing force along the southern shores of Palawan Island.