Philippines Roundup: Combat drills with U.S., South China Sea claims, Emir of Qatar’s visit

Joint combat drill with U.S

American and Filipino forces have launched their largest combat exercises in years, including joint sails with the French navy and a ship-sinking drill near the disputed South China Sea. The annual exercises, which will run until May 10, involve over 16,000 military personnel and over 250 French and Australian forces. The Philippine military maintains that the military exercises are not directed at a particular country, but some of their main conflict scenarios are set in or near the disputed South China Sea. The U.S. and the Philippines have emphasised the importance of maritime cooperation in addressing complex challenges that threaten peace and security in the region. China strongly criticised the exercises, claiming the Philippines was "ganging up" with countries from outside Asia. However, President Joe Biden and his administration have repeatedly warned that the United States must protect the Philippines, its oldest treaty partner in Asia if it is attacked, as tensions between China and the Philippines have grown more intense, ABC News reported.

G7 rejection of China’s South China Sea claims

The Philippines hailed the G7 bloc for opposing China's claims in the South China Sea and for urging Beijing to stop its "illegal activities" there. According to Asia News Network, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the statement of the G7 foreign ministers on April 19 reinforcing their "commitment to the rule of law and the rules-based maritime order anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

Emir of Qatar’s state visit

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad began his state visit to Manila on April 21 as part of his Asia tour. He met with Philippine ministers Rafael Perpetuo Lotilla, Ahmed bin Saad Al-Humaidi, and Lilibeth Velasco Puno. Following his visit to the Philippines, Sheikh Tamim's itinerary includes visits to Bangladesh and Nepal, where he will discuss cooperation and sign agreements.

Bilateral agreements with Qatar

The Philippines and Qatar on April 22 signed bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as tourism and human trafficking during the Amir of Qatar's two-day state visit to Manila, ABS CBN News reports. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his hope for stronger collaboration in common interests and expressed the potential for further strengthening ties. "With the Philippines and Qatar sharing 43 years of deep friendship and cooperation, I am certain that our discussions today will translate to stronger collaboration in common fields of interests," Marcos said. The Amir praised the Philippines as an important partner for Qatar in trade and economic cooperation, aiming to improve communication between the private sector and both countries. Qatar serves as a second home to 242,609 Filipinos, with OFW remittances amounting to $895.33 million in 2022.

Korean Air and Delta Air build homes in the Philippines

Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to help build homes for over 400 families in Bignay, Valenzuela City, Philippines. The 20 volunteers performed key site development groundwork, including backfilling for the multi-purpose centre and sand bedding along the waterline. The initiative is part of the larger Bignay-Maunlad Socialised Housing Project, which spans 13,920 square metres and will feature community facilities including a multi-purpose centre and a daycare centre. The project aims to provide sustainable housing solutions to families of government employees, teachers, and factory workers from Valenzuela, Quezon, and Caloocan.