In a significant display of cooperation, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Dewey (DDG 105), and the Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS 15), recently conducted a joint sail in the South China Sea. This collaborative operation involved naval vessels from both the Philippines and the United States and took place within the exclusive economic zone of the Southeast Asian nation.
USS Dewey, as a forward-deployed vessel assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, holds a prominent position within the U.S. Navy. It is part of the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force and represents the largest DESRON in the Navy. The primary purpose of this joint maritime exercise was to provide the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Navy with an opportunity to test and enhance their existing maritime doctrines, further fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This important cooperative effort between the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy took place amid increased tensions between Manila and Beijing. The South China Sea has been a focal point of contention, with Beijing asserting territorial claims over approximately 90% of the area, based on historical sovereignty.
The South China Sea holds immense strategic value, believed to be rich in untapped oil reserves, and serves as a vital maritime route, facilitating roughly $4.5 trillion worth of ship-borne trade annually.
China's actions in the South China Sea have raised international concerns, particularly its construction of militarized artificial islands. These activities have led to overlapping claims with the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
In 2016, the Philippines secured an international arbitration award against China, with a tribunal ruling that Beijing's sweeping sovereignty claims over most of the South China Sea lacked a legal basis. Manila has consistently voiced its concerns over what it views as China's "aggressive" actions in the South China Sea, including incidents involving the use of water cannons by China's coast guard against Philippine vessels engaged in resupply missions.
The joint sail conducted by USS Dewey and BRP Gregorio del Pilar underscores the commitment of the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy to bolstering their cooperation and presence in the South China Sea. This collaborative effort reinforces the significance of international maritime law and collective engagement in addressing complex geopolitical challenges, contributing to regional stability and maritime security.