This week, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines coast guards will perform their first trilateral maritime exercise in the South China Sea amid growing worry about China’s actions.
On Monday, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Armand Balilo said the June 1–7 exercise off Bataan province was a US-Japan effort with Australia as an observer.
Balilo said four Philippine ships and one each from the U.S. and Japan, will engage in search and rescue and law enforcement exercises.
In February, Japan and the U.S. offered to perform joint maritime drills with the Philippines, which accused China of aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims as its territory.
“This is a usual routine activity among coast guard agencies,” Balilo told a press conference. Exercises with teammates are fine.”
Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took over last year from pro-China predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. have decried China’s militarization in the South China Sea and sought to engage with U.S. ally the Philippines.
Marcos’ criticism of China, particularly its reported use of a “military-grade laser” against a vessel aiding a navy food re-supply mission, has strengthened Philippine-US relations.
It also complained about significant numbers of suspected militia around Philippine-held Spratly Islands features. China claims the coast guard is legal in its waters.
Balilo claimed the marine drill would simulate counter-piracy and possibly an interception of a vessel transporting WMDs.
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