US, Philippines Conduct Patrols in South China Sea

In this handout photo released by the Philippine Air Force, a Philippine Air Force FA-50PH jet fighter, joins the maritime patrol of the Philippines and the United States over Batanes and areas in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 21, 2023.

The United States and the Philippines were conducting joint air and maritime patrols in the South China Sea, which come as the two countries step up cooperation in the face of growingly aggressive Chinese activity in the area.