Philippines, U.S. hold joint sail in disputed South China Sea shoal

The Philippine and U.S. militaries sailed together at ‍a disputed South China Sea shoal this ​week, Manila’s armed forces said ‌on Tuesday (January 27, 2026), performing joint exercises ​to boost interoperability between the two treaty allies.

The joint sail was held in the Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea waters lying within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which ​China also claims as part ⁠of its territory. It was the 11th “maritime cooperative activity” involving the United States and the Philippines ​since November ⁠2023.

“The successful conduct of these activities enhanced coordination, tactical proficiency, and mutual understanding between allied forces,” the Philippine ‌armed forces said in a statement.

The ‌joint sail showcased the Philippines’ frigate Antonio Luna, a Philippine ‍coast guard offshore patrol vessel, as well as two military planes and ‍a helicopter.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command deployed the USS John Finn, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

Military engagements between the treaty allies have soared under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ⁠has pivoted closer to Washington in response to China’s growing presence ​in the South China Sea.

China claims sovereignty ⁠over nearly all the South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and ⁠Vietnam.