The Philippines held joint naval exercises with Australia, Canada and the US in the South China Sea earlier this week, a move seen as reinforcing security cooperation amid heightened Chinese assertiveness in the contested waters. In a statement on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the drills were held on Sept. 2–3 off Zambales province, facing Scarborough Shoal, one of the most volatile flashpoints in the maritime dispute. Exercises included sea logistics, maneuvering drills, and anti-submarine warfare training.

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, September 5). Manila and allies stage naval drills near Scarborough Shoal, draw China rebuke. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.