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U.S., Philippines Stand Up Joint Task Force to Bolster South China Sea Deterrence

Officials describe a coordination hub to streamline planning, training, disaster-response readiness, with no new permanent U.S. bases.

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.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), the Philippine Navy’s first-in-class frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), the Royal Canadian Navy’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH-331) conduct a maneuvering exercise in the South China Sea during the joint exercise Sama Sama on 2024, October 16, 2024.
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Overview

  • The unit, dubbed Task Force Philippines, will be led by a brigadier general or rear admiral with roughly 60 personnel and will not introduce new combat forces or permanent U.S. basing.
  • Washington reiterated that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty covers either country’s forces anywhere in the South China Sea.
  • Manila reports having tripled its patrol coverage in the West Philippine Sea through coordinated military, coast guard and fisheries deployments.
  • The Philippines and Canada signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement that requires Philippine executive and Senate approval, as China cautioned against security pacts that target third parties.
  • Defense leaders from the Philippines, the U.S., Australia and Japan voiced concern over China’s recent actions, affirmed support for international law, and referenced the 2016 arbitral award as legally binding.