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Manila: India and Philippines ( Philippines) have conducted joint naval exercise for the first time in the disputed South China Sea. This military deployment has angered China. Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Browner, said that the two-day joint naval exercise which started on Sunday was successfully completed. He expressed hope that the Philippine forces will be able to participate in more joint exercises with the Indian Army in future.
Did the Chinese army take any action?
When asked whether the Chinese army took any action in response to this, General Browner said without elaborating, “No unpleasant incident happened with us, but we were still kept under surveillance. We had already expected this.” The Philippines military said two Chinese naval ships, including a guided missile destroyer, were spotted about 25 nautical miles away by one of the two Philippines naval frigates participating in a joint naval combat exercise on Sunday.
What did the Chinese military say?
The Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command said it carried out routine patrols in the South China Sea on Sunday and Monday. The Southern Theater Command said it is determined to safeguard China’s territory and maritime rights and interests. China’s Foreign Ministry said territorial disputes should be resolved directly by the parties concerned without any third-party interference.
The Philippines President is on a visit to India
Meanwhile, it should also be noted here that Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. has started his five-day visit to India from Monday. The Foreign Ministry had said in a statement on July 31 that the visit is an opportunity for the two countries to chart the course for future bilateral cooperation, hold talks on regional and international issues of mutual interest. President Marcos will also visit Bangalore before returning to the Philippines on August 8.
