A Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet and a US Air Force B-1B bomber conduct a joint patrol over the South China Sea in February 2025. (Source: Philippine Air Force)

The exercise, which emphasized freedom of navigation, took place near Scarborough Shoal, a strategic location at the heart of a long-standing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines.

Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force, stressed that the exercise was “an important step in enhancing interoperability, airspace awareness and operational flexibility, while supporting bilateral air objectives.”

The South China Sea is a vital shipping lane through which trillions of dollars worth of goods pass each year. Maintaining freedom of navigation in this region is not only important for coastal countries but also vital to the global economy.

The patrol reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to defense cooperation with the United States through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity building initiatives. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities, enabling it to respond more effectively to regional security challenges.

The international community is closely monitoring developments in the South China Sea, as any escalation could impact regional and global security and stability. The United States continues to work with allies and partners to maintain a stable international order and prevent any country from imposing unilateral control over this strategic waterway.