Philippines and U.S. joint patrols near Taiwan: Tensions rise in South China Sea

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday (November 21) in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China. The Philippine military said two FA-50 light combat aircraft and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate in air exercises, while the United States would send a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. The drills, which also involve navy vessels participating in a maritime exercise, would start off in Mavulis island, the Philippines’ northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command. The patrols are likely to irk China, which claims most of the South China Sea on the basis of a “nine-dash line“ that stretches as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of rival claimants Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #usmilitary #war #philippines #china