The navies of the Philippines, Australia, and Canada engaged in a joint operation in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a region currently experiencing heightened tensions after two Chinese vessels collided last week.
The operation included the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec. A Philippine military official emphasized that the mission was not targeted at any specific country.
“Our activities are founded on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, promoting peace and prosperity in the region,” stated Colonel Dennis Fernandez during a media briefing, noting that the joint sail occurred within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The operation, which commenced on Sunday near the western province of Oriental Mindoro and concludes in Palawan, is part of the continuous military exercises between the Philippines and Australia.
Named ALON, meaning ‘wave’ in Filipino, the 15-day joint exercises commenced on August 15, featuring amphibious and land operations along with live fire drills to improve military cooperation between the two nations.
This year’s exercise is the largest to date, involving 3,600 troops from both countries, a Canadian Navy unit, and U.S. Marines.
ALON began in 2023, coinciding with Australia and the Philippines enhancing their relationship to a strategic partnership to tackle rising security issues in the region, notably in the South China Sea, crucial for $3 trillion in annual maritime trade.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a Philippine navy spokesperson, stated Manila’s intention to increase joint sails with international partners, noting these activities help prevent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
Since late 2023, the Philippines has engaged in “maritime cooperative activities” with allies, including joint operations with treaty ally the United States.
Earlier this month, the Philippines and India conducted their first joint sail in the South China Sea.
