The United States and the Philippines have begun large-scale military exercises near the South China Sea, underscoring Manila’s push to strengthen its defenses as friction with China continues over disputed maritime areas.

The drills are part of an expanding security partnership between Washington and Manila, with both sides aiming to improve coordination, readiness, and deterrence in a region marked by overlapping territorial claims and repeated confrontations at sea.

The South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most contested flashpoints, with the Philippines facing pressure in waters it says fall within its exclusive economic zone. The exercises are likely to draw close attention from Beijing, which has long objected to foreign military activity in the area.

As regional rivalries deepen, the latest drills highlight how smaller states are increasingly leaning on defense cooperation with allies to help counter coercion and protect their maritime interests.