Philippines, US, Australia, Japan to hold drills in South China Sea
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The United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines are set to hold joint naval and air drills in the South China Sea on Sunday
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Philippine Coast Guard members wave small flags of the Philippines, US, and Japan during welcoming ceremonies at the pier in Manila, Philippines on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (AP)
In a statement, the defense chiefs of the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines announced plans to hold joint naval and air drills in the South China Sea on Sunday, as they deepen ties to counter China's influence in the region.
The drills are scheduled to occur just before the inaugural trilateral summit between US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.
"Our combined defense/armed forces will conduct a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024," they said in a joint statement Saturday.
They said it would demonstrate the allies' "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."
The joint statement said the "Maritime Cooperative Activity" drills would include naval and air force units from all four countries. The four defense chiefs said they would "strengthen the interoperability of our... doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures."
There were no details on what the drills would precisely include.
The Japanese embassy in Manila said that "anti-submarine warfare training" would be included in the drills.
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China, Philippines relations in decline
Earlier, the Philippines and the United States conducted a joint military drill on February 9 in the South China Sea in a series of military exercises to expand the Philippines' military presence in the region.
This marks the third military exercise conducted by both countries in collaborative efforts, increasing provocations against China, which regards the US presence in the region as an interference in Chinese and regional affairs.
Filipino Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner stated that the joint drill "demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and fosters close cooperation towards further enhancing our maritime capabilities."
It is worth noting that bilateral relations between China and The Philippines have been in sharp decline, adding to the existing tensions and territorial conflicts, as the US increasingly militarizes the region.
