India and Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Drill in South China Sea, Angering Beijing
The Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first-ever joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea, a move that drew a sharp rebuke from China, which accused the Philippines of interfering in the disputed waters. The drill coincided with the arrival of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in New Delhi for a state visit to deepen strategic and defence cooperation with India. The joint manoeuvres underscore a growing alignment between the two nations to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unpacked:
India and the Philippines share concerns about China’s growing maritime power, especially in the South China Sea, where China has expansive territorial claims. The exercise, held near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, signals both nations' intent to promote maritime security and assert a rules-based order in a region vital for global trade and regional stability.
China sharply rebuked the drills, accusing the Philippines of co-opting other nations and claiming the exercises undermine regional peace and stability. Chinese authorities stated they are ready to defend sovereignty and that their military was conducting routine patrols in the area during the exercises.
President Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India aims to deepen strategic and defense cooperation, as well as expand trade, investment, and other partnerships. The timing of the visit, coinciding with the joint exercise, underscores a deliberate effort to strengthen bilateral ties and align security interests in response to China’s assertiveness.
China has a longstanding border dispute with India, including a war in 1962 and later clashes. In the South China Sea, China’s claims overlap with those of the Philippines and others, leading to repeated confrontations. These overlapping disputes contribute to ongoing tensions and shape the strategic calculations of all parties.