Soldier
The Philippines and Japan conducted their first combined military drills in the South China Sea, according to the Philippine armed forces, marking the latest collaboration between countries opposing China’s regional ambitions.
The drills, which took place on Friday within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, followed similar exercises conducted by Manila and Washington on Wednesday.
“This activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” according to a statement from the Philippine Armed Forces.
Last month, the Philippines and Japan, both US allies, signed a significant military treaty that allows forces to be deployed in each other’s country.
China claims much of the South China Sea, which serves as a conduit for the majority of Southeast Asian trade with the rest of the globe. It is also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Japan, which declared last year its largest military buildup since World War II in a departure from postwar pacifism, has no claims to the major waterway.
However, it has a distinct maritime issue with China in the East China Sea, where the countries have often clashed. The most recent drill, with two warships from each side, comprised a communications exercise, tactical maneuvering, and a photographic exercise.
