Philippine Military to Hold Anti-Invasion Drills in Northern Luzon and the South China Sea
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will conduct large-scale anti-invasion drills across Northern Luzon and the country’s western maritime frontier this month.
The exercises — focused on rapid deployment and island defense — underscore the Philippines’ readiness amid Beijing’s continuing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Officials say the drills will involve joint forces from the Navy, Air Force, and Army, simulating multi-domain responses to foreign incursions and hybrid threats.
Source: USNI News
America and China Circle Each Other in the South China Sea
A new Economist analysis reveals how the U.S. and China are increasingly shadowing each other’s movements in the South China Sea — turning the area into a crowded and volatile flashpoint.
As warships and aircraft from both sides draw dangerously close, smaller nations like the Philippines find themselves navigating between great-power muscle-flexing and national defense priorities.
Source: The Economist
Philippines Pushes Back Against China’s Narrative in WPS Row
The Department of National Defense fired back at Beijing’s claim that Manila was “provoking tensions,” saying it is China that distorts reality in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense officials emphasized that Philippine patrols and supply missions are legitimate acts of sovereignty — not provocation — and urged the international community to see through China’s projection strategy.
Source: GMA News
Manila Sets ASEAN Priority on South China Sea Code of Conduct
As the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, President Marcos signaled that a binding South China Sea Code of Conduct will be the administration’s top diplomatic goal.
Sources say the Palace is also considering a possible state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, contingent on constructive progress in code negotiations — a delicate diplomatic balance amid rising tensions at sea.
Source: South China Morning Post