Philippine and U.S. Navies Conduct First Joint Patrol of 2025 in South China Sea Amid Regional Tensions

In a significant display of unity and commitment to regional stability, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Navy carried out their first joint patrol of 2025 in the South China Sea on January 17-18. This bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, particularly with ongoing confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels near Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The joint operation highlights the enduring partnership between the two allies, aimed at reinforcing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1), emphasized the importance of such engagements, stating, “The U.S. and the Philippines are ironclad allies. As fellow maritime nations, we share the common goal of assuring access to the seas while promoting regional stability.”

Expanded Scope and Complexity

The 2025 MCA represents a significant escalation in the scale and complexity of bilateral naval exercises. For the first time, the U.S. deployed the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, including its flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), accompanied by a fleet of advanced warships and aircraft. Participating assets included:

• USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70): Featuring cutting-edge squadrons such as the F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
• USS Princeton (CG 59): A Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser.
• USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110): Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.
• A P-8A Poseidon from Commander, Task Force 72, specializing in maritime surveillance.

The Philippine Navy’s contributions were equally noteworthy, featuring the BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PS 17), a Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel, and the BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151), a Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate.

These joint patrols are not mere symbolic gestures. According to Captain Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the USS Carl Vinson, such exercises “enhance interoperability and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring both nations are prepared to respond to emerging challenges.”

A Strategic Message Amid Rising Tensions

The timing of this joint patrol is critical. The activity unfolded against the backdrop of a two-week standoff between Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard vessels near Scarborough Shoal, a contested area within Manila’s EEZ. This showdown has intensified calls for stronger defense partnerships in the region. The joint patrol sends a clear signal of solidarity to Beijing, reaffirming that the U.S.-Philippine alliance is prepared to counter any attempts to undermine international law and sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

The presence of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in these waters further underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and deterring aggressive actions. The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, routinely operates in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen alliances and partnerships.

Building on a Legacy of Cooperation

Bilateral maritime activities between the U.S. and the Philippines have steadily grown in scale and sophistication over recent years. Each MCA builds upon the previous, fostering greater interoperability and mutual trust between the two navies. This collaboration also aligns with the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which obligates both nations to come to each other’s aid in the event of an armed attack.

The exercise also sets the stage for further cooperative activities throughout 2025, with plans for expanded naval drills and defense exchanges. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, the partnership between the Philippines and the United States remains a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific.

A Crucial Year Ahead

The South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest and most contested waterways, will likely remain a focal point of geopolitical tension in 2025. As the Philippines seeks to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities, its alliance with the U.S. serves as a vital counterbalance to assertive actions by other regional powers.

This first joint patrol of the year is more than just a military exercise—it is a statement of shared values, collective resolve, and unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.