Manila asserts its commitment to defense cooperation with “like-minded nations” through joint exercises with Australia and Canada in a contentious maritime region.
Focused on countering aerial threats, the joint naval exercises were held east of Scarborough Shoal, an area known for confrontations with Chinese vessels. The drills featured the Philippine ship Jose Rizal, Australia’s HMAS Brisbane, and Canada’s HMCS Ville de Quebec, emphasizing the Philippines’ dedication to defense collaboration with allied nations.
Both China and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal and other South China Sea territories, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
China has not commented on the exercises but has previously warned about its defense of claimed territories in the South China Sea.
Photos and videos from the Philippine military show multiple warplanes and at least one heavy-lift helicopter participating in the drills.
Exercise ALON Strengthens Cooperation Among Naval Forces With Successful Drills off Bajo De Masinloc
The Philippine Navy, with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy, concluded a multilateral maritime exercise east of Bajo de Masinloc…
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) August 27, 2025
The exercises, part of ALON 2025, are the largest military maneuvers Australia has held with the Philippines, involving over 3,600 personnel over 15 days.
Australian Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Raven commented that these exercises demonstrate the ability to deploy a combat-ready force to support partners like the Philippines.
Despite being a sensitive area, the Scarborough Shoal has seen recent tensions, including a collision on August 11 between Chinese navy and coastguard ships near the shoal, which Beijing blames on Philippine “dangerous maneuvers.”
Satellite images show the damaged Chinese coastguard ship being repaired at Yulin naval base on Hainan Island.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague disputed Beijing’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, including their blockade of Scarborough Shoal, but China continues to assert its territorial claims there.
