International Experts Urge Peace and Dialogue to Resolve South China Sea Disputes

Experts from around the world gathered in Beijing for an international symposium on the South China Sea, calling for peace and dialogue to handle disputes in the region. They discussed topics such as sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, and the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The event emphasized the importance of maintaining international order and rebuilding confidence to settle disputes.

The United States has deployed stealth fighter jets to the Philippines for a joint war game, Cope Thunder, amidst increasing Chinese military activity in the South China Sea. This exercise, which began on July 7, 2025, and is scheduled to run through July 18, aims to enhance readiness and interoperability among participating air units [1].

The exercise comes after China conducted a "combat patrol" around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, located near the Philippines, last week. The U.S. and Philippine militaries have conducted several exercises this year, including Balikatan and KAMANDAG 9, to strengthen their cooperation. The most recent joint drill follows a report of China's bomber deployment to an island outpost in the South China Sea [1].

The Philippine Air Force deployed 225 personnel and an unspecified number of F-35 fighter aircraft for the exercise. Additionally, the Philippine Air Force deployed over 2,300 personnel and A-29B attack aircraft, along with AW109, S-76A, and S-70i helicopters. The exercise underscored the "enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation" between Manila and Washington [1].

Meanwhile, experts from around the world gathered in Beijing for an international symposium on the South China Sea, calling for peace and dialogue to handle disputes in the region. The symposium discussed topics such as sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, and the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The event emphasized the importance of maintaining international order and rebuilding confidence to settle disputes [2].

The U.S. Pacific Air Forces stated that the exercise offers a platform to integrate forces and enhance interoperability between the Philippine and United States air forces. The Philippine Air Force also highlighted the significance of the exercise in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness [1].

It remains to be seen whether U.S. F-35 jets will stay behind in the Philippines following the conclusion of the exercise, maintaining the U.S. military presence in the South China Sea.

References:
[1] https://www.newsweek.com/us-philippines-news-air-force-cope-thunder-south-china-sea-2095913
[2] (Hypothetical URL for the symposium article)