An Australian Navy destroyer has joined ships from the Philippines and Canada for a joint sail in the South China Sea, an area of flaring tensions following a collision between two Chinese vessels last week.

The Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, Australian ship HMAS Brisbane and Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec were participating in the operation, which a Philippine military official said was not directed at any country.

"Our activity is based on the premise that the exercise is anchored on the free and open Indo-Pacific, with peace and prosperity in the region," Colonel Dennis Fernandez said, adding that the joint sail was taking place within the Philippines's exclusive economic zone.

The Australian Navy said this joint sail "demonstrates the strength of Australia's security relationship with the Philippines".

In May, China's foreign ministry criticised Australia after it conducted another joint military exercise in the South China Sea, saying it was trying to "create trouble".

Over the coming weeks, HMAS Brisbane is set to participate in more exercises in the region, including some with the US Marine Corps.

The navy said the purpose of those exercises was "to train and exchange practices and enhance future cooperation".

The joint sail began on Sunday off the western province of Oriental Mindoro, and will end in Palawan.

Called ALON — a Filipino word for wave — the 15-day joint exercises, which began on August 15, include amphibious and land operations, as well as live-fire exercises designed to enhance the abilities of the two militaries to cooperate better.

This year's iteration is the largest joint activity to date, with 3,600 troops from both sides joined by a Canadian Navy contingent, as well as US Marines.

ALON started in 2023, the same year Australia and the Philippines elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in order to address the rising security challenges in the region, including in the South China Sea.

Philippine Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters Manila aimed to increase the frequency of joint sails with foreign partners, saying that such activities helped deter China's aggression in the South China Sea.

Since late 2023, the Philippines has conducted "maritime cooperative activities" with allies, including joint passages with treaty ally the United States.

Early this month, the Philippines and India also sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea.

ABC/Reuters

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-19/australian-navy-destroyer-military-exercise-south-china-sea/105673870

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