While Taking Part in Multilateral Exercises Might Not Raise Eyebrows, Joint Patrols Are Another Matter Altogether. the Latter May Be Interpreted as Signing on to America’s Strategy of Integrated Deterrence Against China. It May Also Raise the Spectre of Accidents in Choppy Waters. Some May See the Presence of Foreign Navies Patrolling Their Maritime Entitlements as a Derogation of Their Sovereignty and Jurisdiction. Bilateral and Regional Efforts at Handling the Disputes, Including Ongoing Asean-China Code of Conduct Negotiations, Could Also Be Complicated.

Philippines Will Not Let Us Access Military Sites for ‘Offensive Action’

China, as Expected, Expressed Serious Concerns over the Philippines’ Decision. Granting Extra Edca Sites in Northern Luzon Makes Manila Second Only to Tokyo Among Us Allies to Step up for a Possible Taiwan Strait Crisis. in Contrast, Australia Clarified That Aukus Was Not Premised on the Country Joining Washington in Such a Contingency.

Opinion | Us-Philippine Drills a Further Sign Manila May Be Picking Sides Amid South China Sea, Taiwan Tensions

Q: Us, Philippines Follow Taiwan Drills with Biggest Exercises in over 30 Year's

The New Sites Represent a Bold Step Considering That None of the Earlier Five Edca Areas Agreed Upon in 2014 Directly Stared at Any Flashpoints. Basa Airbase in Pampanga Is Relatively Close to the West Philippine Sea, but Is Still Further Inland. Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan Faces the Sulu Sea. It Is Also the First Time That a Naval Base – Camilo Osias in Cagayan – Is Included.

By Robert Thorne

• Oct 8, 2026 • 6 min read

Opinion | Us-Philippine Drills a Further Sign Manila May Be Picking Sides Amid South China Sea, Taiwan Tensions

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Us, Philippines Follow Taiwan Drills with Biggest Exercises in over 30 Year's

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.

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