Philippines Flags More Sea Patrols With US Amid China Tensions

(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines on Friday signaled more military activities with the US and other countries, after Beijing criticized the defense allies’ joint patrols in the South China Sea this week.

Most Read from Bloomberg

• Boeing Max Grounding Goes Global as Carriers Follow FAA Order

• Ackman Plans to Check MIT’s Kornbluth, Staff for Plagiarism

• Boeing 737 Max Blowout Points to Pervasive Flaws

• Musk’s Drug Use Concerns Tesla, SpaceX Leaders, WSJ Says

“Our joint patrols with the US and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and for promoting peace and stability in the region,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said in a statement.

China called the US-Philippines joint maritime activity in the South China Sea this week as “provocative” and “irresponsible.” Beijing also said its navy and air force held joint patrols in the disputed sea.

Ano said military drills with the U.S. were held within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which overlaps with China’s expansive maritime claims in contested waters.

“The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations,” Ano said.

Tensions between China and the Philippines have flared up in recent months, with their vessels facing off in contested waters. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has bolstered defense ties with Washington, and other countries like Japan and Australia, as he pushed back against China’s claims over the waterway.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

• Why America’s Car Buyers Are Rethinking EVs

• Eight Tech Products That Could Define 2024

• Gen Zers Who Want the Buzz But Not the Hangover Are Fueling a Nonalcoholic Spirits Boom

• These Are the Five Potential Trouble Spots That Could Knock the Global Economy Off Course

• AI Hallucinations Are a Boon to Creatives

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.