MANILA: The Philippine and US air forces commenced joint military exercises on April 7, aimed at boosting operational coordination and enhancing "strategic deterrence," according to the military in Manila. This initiative is particularly timely as tensions have escalated between the Philippines and China over contested territories in the South China Sea.

The ongoing exercises, named Cope Thunder, are designed to address these growing concerns and will continue until April 18. Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura emphasized during the launch ceremony that "enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness" are central objectives of the drills. These exercises come on the heels of larger planned air, land, and sea activities scheduled for later in the month, further strengthening military ties between the two nations.

Relations between the Philippines and the United States have grown closer since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022, especially as Manila has actively challenged broad Chinese territorial claims. Recently, the US State Department approved a long-anticipated sale of F-16 fighter jets to Manila, although officials indicated the deal is still under negotiation.

At the ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard remarked on the deepening alliance, stating, "the pace of our alliance is accelerating." Cope Thunder seeks to enhance "asymmetric warfare capabilities," operational coordination, and other areas pertinent to military preparedness.

Most of the Cope Thunder activities will be conducted on northern Luzon, the Philippine island closest to Taiwan. As geopolitical tensions mount, particularly following recent military maneuvers by China near Taiwan, Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner has warned troops that their country would "inevitably" play a role in any conflict over the self-governing island.

Despite Manila's efforts to clarify Brawner's remarks—which were interpreted as a reference to potential operations to protect Filipino nationals in Taiwan—the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows US forces access to nine bases in the Philippines, including a strategic naval facility located approximately 400 kilometers from Taiwan.

During a recent visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the commitment to the region, stating, "Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country—considering the threats from the Communist Chinese," according to TRT World.

The developments surrounding the Cope Thunder exercises reflect a collective effort by the US and the Philippines to address security concerns in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape The Jakarta Post.