Reposting my summer embark with the Philippine Coast Guard amid recent musings in Manila. For those interested in learning about the experiences of PCG sailors on the frontlines in the South China Sea during an escort mission to the Spratly Islands. 1/3 https://t.co/pWfMpSWSma

ATLA revealed some of the deployment tests of Japan’s new island defense hypersonic missile system last week. Many thanks to @takuyamatsuda1 for the comments in my story for USNI News: https://t.co/rUD6Tna61z

"Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines would not allow the US to use the EDCA sites for activities against China in connection with the tension in the Taiwan Strait." https://t.co/5Xw3gdrh8O

There is a path for this, but treating the Philippines as a base for the defense of Taiwan is not how you sell this. Manila has already voiced its specific issues about a Taiwan Contingency, citing shared concerns of repatriation and the likely spillover is a better approach.

Did they consider how Manila would feel about this scheme? One viewing of Philippine Congressional hearings would've derailed this entire idea. This also gives ammo to anti-American politicians, which have already claimed that the northern EDCA sites are for Taiwan.

The noise in general media over the (IMO) pointless American theatrics in the Caribbean stand in notable contrast to the rather more meaningful movements lately around the SCS, and relative silence on the matter outside topical outlets. https://t.co/wr8RvrnF3S

Recent claims that the Nimitz’s joint patrol was the first time an American carrier strike group trained with the Philippine Navy are false. The first maritime cooperative activity involving a CSG occurred earlier this year with USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). https://t.co/EtcJUQGeSA

Many thanks to @OfficialBen_L for the comments regarding the presence of significant American and Chinese forces near Scarborough:

A defense department official told me that the activity “proceeded safely and without disruption” when queried about the Chinese bomber flight. Beijing previously deployed H-6s to Scarborough:

Within the last two weeks, the U.S. deployed supersonic bombers and a carrier strike group to the South China Sea amid tensions between Manila and Beijing over Scarborough Shoal. China responded its own bombers. My story with USNI News: https://t.co/9AjQDNQAqE

Nimitz Strike Group Drills Near Scarborough Shoal with Philippines, Japan — USNI News https://t.co/5EGBUAleDg

A large U.S.-Japan-Philippines joint patrol near Scarborough Shoal showcases growing regional cooperation on maritime security as China monitored the drills with a bomber formation. https://t.co/Lf0YckL3hv

In case you missed it as well, this is part of a multibillion dollar expansion of the Joint Force presence in the Second Island Chain. North Field, soon to be North Field Air Force Base, is being repaved and expanded. It will be larger than Andersen AFB when complete.

Per @AaronMatthew_L, the U.S. Marine Corps temporarily deployed a unit of MQ-9A drones to Basa Air Base in the Philippines beginning in 2024, supporting Philippine intelligence collection in the South China Sea and providing surveillance assistance of maritime threats. Below

ATLA revealed some of the deployment tests of Japan’s new island defense hypersonic missile system last week. Many thanks to @takuyamatsuda1 for the comments in my story for USNI News: https://t.co/rUD6Tna61z

Japanese Forces Test Deployment of Hypersonic Missile System — USNI News https://t.co/hOSWHF8ADq

The U.S. Marine Corps temporarily deploy unarmed MQ-9A Reaper drones to the Philippines to support maritime domain awareness amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. https://t.co/ZLoq4fPbfo

Philippine Army Sabrah light tanks and infantry hold a counter-landing drill at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Northern Luzon during joint service exercise DAGIT-PA. Manila has enhanced its posture in the north amid concerns of a potential conflict between China and Taiwan. 📸 AFP

Would it though? The Australian variant will diverge from the JMSDF spec boat, despite the supposed "zero change" dogma around SEA 3000. My analysis on the matter will be out this weekend on @navalnewscom.

Announced an additional $1.5M in emergency aid for disaster response efforts while visiting 🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭 personnel with @DNDPHL Sec. Teodoro in Clark. Inspired to see #FriendsPartnersAllies in action delivering @DSWDserves family food packs.

This joint air patrol over the South China Sea occurred last Wednesday and came shortly after the announcement of a U.S.-Philippine task force meant to deter Chinese coercion in the disputed region. The B-1Bs likely came from the 9th Bomb Squadron’s Bomber Task Force deployment.