Philippines-Japan-US drills conducted over Bashi ChannelAFP, MANILAThe Philippine, US and Japanese militaries conducted joint exercises this week over the Bashi Channel that separates the Philippines from Taiwan, officials said yesterday. It marks the first time that so-called “Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities” (MMCAs) involving the countries have expanded beyond the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have engaged in repeated clashes over disputed territory. US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey sails below an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter during a joint military exercise in the South China Sea. Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Public Affairs Office / AFPLittle more than 100km separates the Philippines and Taiwan. It included a live-fire gunnery exercise conducted by the guided missile frigate, BRP Antonio Luna.

Source: Taipei Times February 27, 2026 17:17 UTC