Strategic Waves: Enhancing Naval Cooperation in the South China Sea

The navies of the Philippines, Australia, and Canada embarked on a joint sail across the South China Sea on Tuesday, a region rife with tension since last week's collision involving Chinese vessels.

This collaborative exercise features the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec. While not directly targeting any specific nation, the operation underscores commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, according to colonel Dennis Hernandez.

Dubbed ALON, these drills, also significantly supported by 3,600 troops and U.S. Marines, are the largest to date. They enhance cooperative military strategies, with Manila focusing on increasing such naval engagements to counterbalance China's assertiveness in the pivotal South China Sea corridor.

(With inputs from agencies.)