President Marcos Jr. and US Vice President Kamala Harris explored a possible expansion of their joint bilateral exercises with other countries in the South China Sea. Harris headed the US delegation to Asean meetings in lieu of US President Joe Biden in Jakarta. She met Philippine President Marcos Jr. briefly at the margins of the Asean-US Summit Wednesday. “The two leaders discussed the maritime security environment in the South China Sea, and reviewed opportunities to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation, including alongside like-minded partners,” the White House said in a readout released.

Talosig-Bartolome, M. (2023, September 8). Marcos, Harris eye bigger SCS drills with other states. Business Mirror, p. A2.