U.S. backs Philippine forces in South China Sea with task force

Manila says initiative involves supporting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

20241121 U.S. Navy fleet South China Sea

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducts underway operations at an undisclosed location in the South China Sea, in this handout picture released on April 10, 2023. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters) © Reuters

November 21, 2024 19:50 JST

MANILA (Reuters) -- The U.S. military is supporting Philippine operations in the South China Sea via a special task force, a U.S. embassy official said on Thursday, an initiative Manila said involves intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Task Force-Ayungin, named after the Philippine designation for the contested Second Thomas Shoal, was first mentioned this week by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a visit to the Philippines.