US, Philippines conduct anti-submarine drills in the East Sea

The United States and the Philippines hold annual naval exercises off the coast of Luzon island, featuring anti-submarine, anti-surface ship and electronic warfare.

The annual US-Philippine naval exercise "Sama Sama" opened in Manila today, expected to last two weeks with anti-submarine, anti-surface ship and electronic warfare practices in the southern Luzon area and offshore waters.

A total of 1,800 troops and a variety of equipment will participate in the event. The US will mobilize the destroyer USS Dewey, a logistics ship and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while the Philippines will deploy the BRP Antonio Luna missile frigate, AW109 helicopters, C-90 light aircraft and a naval task force.

US and Philippine commanders at the opening ceremony of the Sama Sama exercise on October 2. Photo: US Navy

Japan and Canada also sent warships to the exercise, while Britain, France and Australia deployed officers in the tabletop exercise. New Zealand and Indonesia participated as observers.

"The international rules-based order, which has ensured regional peace for decades, has been challenged to favor one country. Working together is the best way to ensure sovereignty and security today," Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the US Navy's 7th Fleet, said at the opening ceremony, without naming any specific country.

Philippine Navy Commander Toribio Adaci said the Sama Sama exercise would help participants "prepare to face a range of threats together".

Location of Luzon Island, Philippines. Graphic: Wikimedia

The US has had a large military presence in the Philippines since World War II, including two bases in what were once Washington’s largest overseas bases. The two countries signed an agreement in the middle of this year that will allow the US military access to four more military bases in the Philippines.

China criticized the move as "escalating military tensions and endangering peace and stability in the region."

Vu Anh (According to AFP )

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