Nation

Philippines, U.S., and Japan Hold First-Ever Joint Military Drills Over the Bashi Channel Near Taiwan — China Is Furious

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Feb 27, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: The Manila Times

The Philippine, American, and Japanese militaries just completed a historic six-day joint exercise over the Bashi Channel — the narrow strait separating the Philippines from Taiwan. It marks the first time their Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities have expanded beyond the South China Sea into these strategically sensitive waters.

Aircraft from all three nations patrolled over the Philippines' northernmost Batanes islands, while naval vessels operated west of Basco. The Philippine guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna even conducted a live-fire gunnery exercise. The Philippine military said the drills showcased their "ability to operate seamlessly together in complex maritime environments."

China wasted no time firing back. PLA Southern Theatre Command spokesman Zhai Shichen accused the Philippines of co-opting "countries outside the region" to "disrupt peace and stability," and announced that China had conducted its own "routine patrol" of the South China Sea from February 23 to 26. Galit na galit sila, as expected.

The timing is significant. In November, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi rattled Beijing by suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. Japan's defense minister followed up this week by announcing plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on a remote western island near Taiwan by early 2031. The temperature keeps rising.

President Marcos has acknowledged the risks, warning last August that the Philippines would be dragged "kicking and screaming" into any Taiwan conflict. "I hope it doesn't happen," he said. "But if it does, we have to plan for it already." These drills suggest that planning is well underway.

Source: The Manila Times

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