Philippines Conducts Joint Exercises With U.S. In South China Sea

MANILA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Philippines and the United States conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea on Friday, the Philippine military said, the latest round of drills underlining ongoing expansion of their defense ties.

Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared in the past year, at a time of tension in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have traded blame over a spate of run-ins over territory.

It was the third time the Philippines and former colonial ruler the United States have held joint exercises in the South China Sea since November last year, moves that have frustrated Beijing, which objects to what it sees as U.S. interference in its backyard.

"It demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and foster close cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities," Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner said in a statement.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

It has policed those claims with a vast coastguard fleet that the Philippines has accused of hostile intentions and actions that are against international law. China says it is protecting its territory.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)

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