The Philippines held joint naval drills with Japan and the US in the South China Sea on Sept. 12 and 13, signaling a growing trilateral partnership in response to increasing maritime tensions in the South China Sea. In a statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, US destroyer USS John Finn and Japanese landing ship JS Osumi held anti-submarine warfare drills off the coast of Zambales province, which faces Scarborough Shoal, one of the most volatile flashpoints in the sea dispute between Manila and Beijing. The joint activity took place in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island in San Antonio, Zambales.

Basilio, K. C. L. (2025, September 15). Philippines, Japan and US hold drills near Scarborough Shoal, iring China. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.