Central South China Sea

U.S. and Philippines begin annual exercises in China-claimed waters

The Philippines and the U.S. begin annual joint military exercises today, but this time the exercises take place far from Philippine territorial waters in a part of the central South China Sea claimed by China. Though international law allows the exercises to take place there, China will see them as a provocation.

The annual exercises began April 22 far from Philippine territorial waters in a central South China Sea area claimed by China. That Beijing will view the legally permitted activity is a provocation.