Philippines and US joint exercises held in South China Sea

The Philippines and the US led joint oceanic practices in the South China Ocean on Friday, February 9, the Philippine military said, the most recent round of drills underlining progressing extension of their safeguard ties.

Security commitment between the settlement partners have taken off in the previous year, during a period of strain in the South China Ocean, where the Philippines and China have exchanged fault over a spate of disagreements over region.

It was the third time the Philippines and previous pioneer ruler the US have held joint practices in the South China Ocean since November last year, moves that have baffled Beijing, which objects to what it sees as US impedance in its terrace.

"It shows our obligation to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and cultivate close participation towards further improving our oceanic capacities," Military of the Philippines Boss General Romeo Brawner said in an explanation.

China claims sway over practically the whole South China Ocean, a conductor for more than $3 trillion of business transporting every year, including portions of the select monetary zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

It has policed those cases with an immense coast watch armada that the Philippines has blamed for unfriendly expectations and activities that are against worldwide regulation. China says it is safeguarding its domain.