Manila: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for regular joint military exercises with allies, including Cambodia, to address "emerging security challenges" in the contentious South China Sea. Marcos emphasized this during a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Manila, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Marcos expressed his desire to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the Philippines and Cambodia across various areas of mutual interest to achieve "peace and stability" in the region. Reflecting on a joint training exercise between the two nations last year, he remarked, "I hope to see more similar and frequent engagement, especially as cooperation amongst our countries is needed in dealing with emerging security challenges."

Marcos further added that the Philippines is committed to coordinating and synchronizing efforts with neighboring countries around the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific Region. The bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Cambodia dates back to 1957.

This call for increased military cooperation comes amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed waters, exacerbated by the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, who has been focusing on domestic issues. The Philippines, being the oldest US ally in the Asia-Pacific region, provides the US army access to its military bases.

Under Marcos' leadership, the Philippines has also strengthened ties with Japan and Australia, conducting regular drills with their forces. However, this shift towards the US has raised concerns in Beijing. Recently, President Marcos urged Beijing to cease its "coercive behavior" in the region, suggesting that Manila would return its Typhon Missile system to the US in exchange.