A newly established U.S.-Philippine military task force aims to deter coercion in the disputed South China Sea and could expand to include allies such as Japan and Australia. Task Force Philippines represents a key step in strengthening bilateral ties. Experts indicate it may serve as the foundation for future multinational operations.
The United States and the Philippines have recently launched Task Force Philippines, a military unit focused on deterring coercion and addressing crises in the contested South China Sea. This initiative advances the institutionalization of bilateral defense relations and is expected to grow into a larger combined force incorporating personnel from nations with visiting-forces agreements (VFAs) with Manila.
Such agreements primarily facilitate troop deployments for training and exercises but can also underpin broader joint operations. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Raymond Powell noted, “These VFAs are essentially legal documents primarily intended to make it easier for countries to send troops into the Philippines for training and exercises, but it can also serve as the nucleus for any future combined operations.”
Potential participants include Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand, with France possibly joining soon. The development underscores efforts to bolster U.S.-Philippine security cooperation amid regional tensions, particularly with China. The task force's establishment was reported on November 28, 2025.