U.S., Philippines sink ship in war drills near China-claimed sea

Allies hold largest-ever military exercises as tensions with Beijing simmer

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., center, attends joint military drills by the Philippines and U.S. in San Antonio, Philippines on April 26. (Photo by Cliff Venzon)

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

April 26, 2023 15:23 JST

Updated on April 26, 2023 18:23 JST

SAN ANTONIO, Philippines -- U.S. and Philippine forces on Wednesday sank a retired navy ship near the disputed South China Sea in a drill intended to show the allies' combat readiness in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., wearing a military-style jacket, used binoculars to watch the drill from an observation tower along with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Philippine defense officials.