Posted to BNN News (Feb 19, 2024): Philippines and U.S. Assert Dominance in West Philippine Sea: A Shift in Approach Towards China (By Dil Bar Irshad)
In the midst of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and the United States Air Forces conducted a joint patrol operation to assert their presence and commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region. The patrol, which took place 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang Island in Mindoro, involved two US B52H bomber planes and three Philippine FA-50 jet fighters. This operation aimed to strengthen the partnership and enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries, as well as maintain national territory, sovereign rights, and promote regional peace and security./bnn/media/media_files/466b5d25aad1dcebcf703f72a1cbf94f62a525e091cd6d9de9466fe079ffd786.jpg)
Philippines and U.S. Assert Dominance in West Philippine Sea: A Shift in Approach Towards China
In the face of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is demonstrating its assertiveness in the region. A clear example of this is the recent joint patrol operation conducted with the United States. The operation, part of the Maritime Cooperative Activity, was held within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, emphasizing the cooperative and interoperable relationship between the two Air Forces. This is seen as a commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region and a departure from the Philippines' previous approach to China.
A Show of Force in the West Philippine Sea
On January 19, 2024, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force conducted a joint patrol operation. The operation involved two US B52H bomber planes and three Philippine FA-50 jet fighters. This operation marked a significant shift in the region's dynamics, with the patrol taking place specifically 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang Island in Mindoro.
Strengthening Partnership and Enhancing Interoperability
According to Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force, the objective of this cooperative activity was to strengthen the partnership and enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries. This initiative is seen as a commitment to maintaining a free Indo-Pacific region and a strategic move in the face of China's increased activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Commitment to Safeguarding National Territory and Regional Peace
This joint patrol operation followed a recent maritime activity on February 9, where US and Philippine naval vessels, the USS Gabrielle Giffords and the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, sailed together in the West Philippine Sea. This marked the third such collaboration this year, underscoring the mutual commitment to safeguarding national territory, sovereign rights, and promoting regional peace and security.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea highlight the importance of these joint maritime cooperative activities. These efforts, showcasing the combined strength and interoperability of the US and Philippine armed forces, send a clear message to China, emphasizing the commitment of both countries to maintaining a free and stable Indo-Pacific region.
https://bnnbreaking.com/conflict-defence/military/philippines-and-us-assert-dominance-in-west-philippine-sea-a-shift-in-approach-towards-china
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