BASHI CHANNEL — The Philippines, Japan, and the United States concluded a landmark four-day naval exercise on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This exercise marked a significant shift as it moved beyond the South China Sea to the waters near the Bashi Channel, located between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Key Details of the Drill:
- Objective: To enhance the “interoperability” of the three nations’ armed forces to ensure a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
- Location: Near Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province, and the Bashi Channel—a critical chokepoint for international shipping and a potential flashpoint in a conflict between China and Taiwan.
- Assets Involved:
- Philippines: Frigate Antonio Luna and two FA-50 fighter jets.
- United States: Navy destroyer Dewey and a P-8A reconnaissance aircraft.
- Japan: Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol plane.
- Operations: The drill included anti-submarine operations and air patrols over Batanes.
Geopolitical Context:
Capt. Jennifer Monforte of the Philippine Navy emphasized that the drill should not be viewed as a “provocative act” by neighboring countries. However, the exercise was shadowed by the “illegal presence” of two Chinese navy ships on separate days during the maneuvers.
This operation was conducted under the Philippines’ Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) framework, which has previously included allies like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.