In a demonstration of their enduring partnership, the United States and the Philippines conducted a high-profile aerial tour of the South China Sea, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, alongside the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), hosted top Philippine officials for the strategic tour. The delegation included Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino, and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. The engagement underscores the deepening alliance between the two nations in addressing maritime security concerns amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

The aerial tour covered key areas in the disputed waters, highlighting the Philippines’ territorial integrity and the importance of upholding international maritime laws, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. The visit aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation under the Friends Partners Allies initiative.

The high-level tour comes amid increased maritime incidents involving Chinese vessels in Philippine-claimed waters, further emphasizing the need for enhanced security coordination. The Philippine government continues to assert its sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), receiving strong diplomatic and military backing from Washington.

The United States and the Philippines have been strengthening defense ties through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), joint military exercises, and expanded maritime patrols. As tensions in the South China Sea persist, both nations remain steadfast in their alliance, advocating for freedom of navigation and regional stability.

This latest engagement signals a firm commitment to collaboration in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific from coercive actions, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in maintaining peace and security in the region.