U.S. still China’s main rival despite report on Japan and Philippines’ capabilities
3 Jul 2026, 02:00 GMT
By Taejun Kang for RFA
Topic: South China Sea
Credit: Taejun Kang for RFA
Source URL: https://rfa.org/english/southchinasea/2026/07/03/china-japan-philippines-south-china-sea/
Primary media download URL: https://www.rfa.org/resizer/v2/OT5LRZPS3ZEIPE2SO6BLGL2IVA.jpg?auth=9e7de5bfb3e9f227f464e76d36d64e0e09d4dbafdb90ce5c6d48f38fb744160d&smart=true&width=1500
Two Philippine Air Force FA-50s, left, flying alongside two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles over the South China Sea during joint maritime and air patrols, Nov. 21, 2023.