The United States and the Philippines are conducting their annual 12-day “Unity of Effort” joint military exercise near Luzon Island. Alongside the two nations, seven other countries, including Japan, are actively participating. Additionally, a new rotation unit of the United States Marine Corps has been deployed to the Philippines for the drill.
Analysis and Background: Analysts believe the emphasis of these exercises underscores growing concerns regarding China’s expansionist moves in the South China Sea, with Huangyan Island emerging as a key focal point in the geopolitical struggle involving the U.S., the Philippines, and China.
According to Voice of America, the joint military exercise, known as Exercise SAMASAMA, is taking place from October 2 to October 13 on Luzon Island. The Philippines Armed Forces stated that the exercise would include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, air defense, and electronic warfare. Navy personnel from the U.S., Philippines, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the UK will also conduct humanitarian aid and disaster relief drills. Additionally, naval staff from France and Australia will participate in thematic exchanges, while personnel from New Zealand and Indonesia will be present as observers.
In terms of participation, the Philippine Navy deployed 733 personnel, the U.S. Navy 632, the Canadian Navy 244, the Japanese Navy 169, the UK 34, France 7, Australia 3, with 2 representatives from Indonesia and 1 from New Zealand.
The vessels participating include flagship missile frigates from the Philippines, the recently commissioned BRP Antonio Luna, the USS Dewey from the U.S., the USNS Wally Schirra, HMS Spey from the UK, HMCS Vancouver from Canada, and JS Akebono from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
An expert from Singapore’s Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Xu Ruilin, highlighted that the current exercises represent a shift in the Philippines’ defense focus from internal security to external defense, with a significant emphasis on conventional warfare, especially concerning the South China Sea.
Xu Ruilin also mentioned the strong military alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, pointing out that while there are hundreds of bilateral military activities conducted annually, exercises like SAMASAMA and the April “Shoulder to Shoulder” exercises are more prominent.
Researcher Huang Zongding from Taiwan’s National Defense Security Research Institute noted the geostrategic significance of Huangyan Island. This emphasis comes after recent confrontations between the Philippines and Chinese coast guards in the South China Sea. In a significant development on October 4, the Chinese Coast Guard issued a stern warning to four Philippine ships near Ren’ai Reef. The Philippines reported that two of its supply ships, escorted by coast guard vessels, successfully breached the Chinese blockade to deliver supplies to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.
However, further reports from Chinese media suggest that on October 4, during the National Day holiday, the Philippines made another attempt to enter the Ren’ai Reef. Despite attempts by the Chinese coast guard to intercept, the Philippine coast guard ship, at the last moment, made an abrupt reversal to avoid a collision. The Philippines’ ship was ultimately intercepted 16 kilometers from the Ren’ai Reef and was forced to turn back. However, the Philippine side stated that despite attempts by the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia to intercept, the crew rotation and latest supply mission to the grounded ship on Ren’ai Reef had been completed.
Videos from the scene show the successful interception of the Philippine coast guard. However, the Philippine narrative contradicts this, painting a picture that might be perceived differently. In previous instances, after the Philippine coast guard was intercepted, a batch of supplies typically still made it onto the landing ship. This was because the Chinese, in a humanitarian gesture, allowed the passage of daily necessities. Yet, the Philippines often blurs the lines between these daily necessities and construction materials in its communications, creating an impression that full resupply was achieved.
In late September, President Marcos ordered special actions to dismantle the floating barriers set up by China near Huangyan Island. He also removed anchors from the seabed, allowing Filipino fishermen to return to their traditional fishing grounds.
However, the Chinese Coast Guard stated that their temporary obstruction nets were set up in response to Philippine ships rushing into the lagoon. The barriers were voluntarily withdrawn on September 23, restoring regular control. The operation was described as professional, legal, and reasonable. The Chinese authorities claimed that the Philippines’ statements about dismantling Chinese barriers were entirely fabricated and staged.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, Chinese Media Reports