The Philippine military has announced that its forces began joint maritime and air patrols with the US military.

The Philippine military reported that the patrols began on Tuesday in the vicinity of Batanes, the country's northernmost island region near Taiwan. It says the three-day activity will end in "the West Philippine Sea."

The military said the patrols involve a littoral combat ship and a patrol aircraft from the US, and three navy vessels and three aircraft from the Philippines.

The Philippine military said the "maritime cooperative activity" is aimed at enhancing interoperability and fostering regional cooperation between the two countries.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posted a comment on social media. He said, "We aim to enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests."

The two countries used to conduct Joint military patrols in the South China Sea, but they had been halted under the government of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who fostered closer ties with China.

The ongoing patrol is covering waters where China is stepping up its military activities.