India-Philippines Naval Drill in SCS Sparks Beijing’s Ire
India and the Philippines conducted a joint naval exercise in the strategically vital South China Sea on August 4, 2025. The manoeuvres focused on enhancing interoperability and communication protocols between the two navies.
This display of naval strength comes amidst Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India. The visit aims to significantly bolster bilateral ties across various sectors.
The joint exercise has drawn sharp criticism from China, which claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea. Beijing’s statement expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the drills.
This assertive action by India and the Philippines underscores growing concerns over China’s increasingly aggressive stance in the region. The deepening defence cooperation between New Delhi and Manila is a significant development with implications for regional security and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
The strengthening partnership between India and the Philippines, demonstrated through this naval exercise and President Marcos Jr.’s visit, signals a potential shift in regional dynamics, prompting China to reconsider its assertive policies in the South China Sea. The implications for regional stability and freedom of navigation are far-reaching.
