US, Australia and Philippines conduct South China Sea maritime drills ahead of Balikatan exercises

The United States, Australia and the Philippines have conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, amid ongoing tensions with China over disputed waters in a show of strengthened trilateral defence cooperation in 2026.

According to the Philippine military, the four-day drills from 9–12 April involved warships, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft in coordinated operations aimed at strengthening maritime defence and regional security cooperation.

Key developments:

• Philippine FA-50 jets, Australian P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and US USS Ashland deployed

• Exercises precede Balikatan (20 April), first including Japan as full participant

• France to send reduced troop contingent amid Middle East-related redeployment

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said Balikatan will not be downgraded. Beijing opposes joint drills, while China and the Philippines continue to trade accusations over South China Sea incidents, including flare reports.

ℹ️ Reuters

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An aerial view shows the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands, South China Sea, March 9, 2023. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
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US, Australia and Philippines conduct South China Sea maritime drills ahead of Balikatan exercises
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