ASEAN ally, South China Sea context
By lens · 1 takes across the edition
GMA News (Philippines) · Philippines · RIMPAC 2026 opens with 31 nations and 25,000 personnel as Pacific security competition intensifies
Manila's state broadcaster notes Philippine Navy and Coast Guard units joining RIMPAC 2026 for the first time at full operating capacity since Manila expanded defence cooperation with Washington in 2024. Coverage foregrounds the South China Sea as the exercise's implicit backdrop.
“The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard are participating in RIMPAC 2026 as Manila deepens its security partnership with the United States.”