Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and the United States (US) have held joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea in wake of the visit of Washington’s top diplomat and defense chief, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

The USS Mobile (LCS 26) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) were used in the naval exercise off the waters of Palawan on Wednesday, July 31.

While Beijing had incursions in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese vessels were not observed in the area during the maritime activity.

“These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests. The partnership between the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy continues to be a pillar of regional stability,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said in a statement.

Communications check exercise, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuver exercise, photographic exercise, and cross deck exercise were among the events conducted to improve the two navies’ communication and operational coordination.

The AFP said the maritime exercise in the contested West Philippine Sea was “successful.”

China has sweeping claims over the South China Sea, which encroaches into the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, an arbitral ruling invalidated China’s historic claim. Beijing, however, refused to recognize the decision.

Last July 30, the US announced its allocation of $500 million in military funding for the Philippines.

“Throughout the duration of the exercise, no Chinese vessels were detected in the exercise area, either through visual or radar monitoring. This absence of interference allowed for the uninterrupted execution of all activities, ensuring a smooth and efficient exercise,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad told NewsWatch Plus on Thursday, August 1.